This week, access zones around K–12 schools have been established through the Safe Access to Schools Regulation to preserve safe access to education by protecting students, staff and families from disruptive and harmful protest activities at schools.
Access zones were first established in May 2024 and again in September 2024 for the 2024‑25 school year, under the Safe Access to Schools Act. This Act gives Government the ability to establish access zones around K–12 schools through regulation.
Access zones are now in place at K–12 schools and police can arrest or ticket anyone found impeding access, disrupting or interfering with educational activities or attempting to intimidate an individual within 20 metres (66 feet) of school property. These zones are in effect on school days from 7 am to 6 pm and during extracurricular school activities at all of BC’s K–12 public and independent schools, with limited exceptions.
Be sure to follow school district safety protocols in the event of an incident or disruption. After an incident has occurred, please share incidents of protests or disruptive behaviours or activities with ecc.strategicpriorities@gov.bc.ca.