Simcoe Muskoka On the Move is an active school travel initiative led by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit in partnership with several local school boards, schools, municipalities and community partners.

A key goal for the On the Move initiative is to help children obtain the daily physical activity they need to be healthy by using active forms of transportation for all or part of their school journey (i.e. walking, cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, and scooting). On the Move can also help to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and safety in school zones as well as provide other benefits to students and school communities.

A regional On the Move Steering Committee oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the On the Move initiative. Public Health Nurses at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit in the Chronic Disease Prevention Program, provide support to schools and municipalities using a best practice model called School Travel Planning where possible. If a school does not wish to participate in full School Travel Planning model, the Public Health Nurse can offer consultation and resources to help the school “get moving’ in this direction. 

The Health Unit maintains the On the Move website and manages an inventory of resources and promotional items (e.g., banners, flags, displays, stencils, activity cards etc.) for the On the Move partnership. The On the Move resources and promotional items are available at no cost to school, municipal, and community partners (as well as other members of the local community where suitable) for local events and the promotion of active school travel. Detailed information about which resources and promotional items are available, and how to obtain them, is found under the links listed on the left for municipal partners, schools, and school boards. 

Everyone can contribute to creating healthy and safe school environments to support more walking and wheeling. Check out the information linked on these pages to learn more.