Active School Travel Canada works to advance safe and active school travel in communities across Canada.
Active School Travel Canada (ASTC) provides a forum for relationship-building and knowledge exchange about existing active school travel resources, tools, best practices, and emerging needs.
Learn more about ASTC here.
Who We Are
ASTC is comprised of over 50 members from various sectors and roles related to active travel. Members represent health authorities, local governments, researchers, planners, advocacy organizations, transportation authorities, and private consultants.
Our Goals
The purpose of the ASTC is to support the creation of safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities in Canada by providing a forum for multi-sectoral leadership, learning, and collaborative action around children’s mobility.
Our Work
ASTC creates knowledge exchange opportunities for members by organizing quarterly roundtable sessions, providing resources and updates through email, and actively engaging in advocacy work as part of the National AT Alliance.
Our Steering Committee
The ASTC Steering Committee is coordinated by organizations across the country, including Green Communities Canada, Urban Systems Ltd, Urbanthinkers, and Capital Regional District.
Jamie Hilland (he/him)
Sustainable Transportation and Healthy Communities Specialist - Urban Systems Ltd.
Since 2015, Jamie has worked extensively in the realm of Active School Travel, leading the development of numerous local, regional, and national studies. Jamie is the current Chair of the Canadian Active Transportation Alliance and sits on the Expert Advisory panel of the CIHR funded CHASE (Child Active Transport Safety and the Environment) study at the University of Calgary, the Policy Committee for the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycling Professionals (APBP), and the Mobility Management Committee for the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC).
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Winnipeg, an IAP2 Foundations certificate from the International Association of Public Participation, and is a member candidate for the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Laura Hube (she/her)
Planning Assistant, Regional and Strategic Planning – Capital Regional District
Laura is a lifelong learner and authentic relationship builder who seeks to create happier and healthier communities for all. Since completing her Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Laura has worked in the private, public, and not-for-profit sector across Canada and the US. In recent years, Laura led a Pilot funded by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, empowering school communities across British Columbia to engage in active and sustainable school travel using an asset-based approach with an equity lens. She currently supports policy planning, reporting, and implementation initiatives related to regional transportation and growth management at the Capital Regional District. Her portfolio includes supporting the CRD’s annual Active School Travel Planning initiative, Ready Step Roll. Laura believes that the journey to/from school is a ripe opportunity for adventure, activity, and autonomy.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys toting her kids around Victoria on their cargo bike, discovering the best in local food, and curling up with a good book.
Arthur Orsini (he/him)
Community Engagement Facilitator & Trainer - Urbanthinkers
Arthur Orsini began working on sustainable transportation programs in 1996 and has international experience with a focus on community and youth engagement. He was Canada’s first ever School Travel Planner after doing that work in Auckland in 2005-06. Beyond New Zealand, he has led school travel planning and youth leadership training in seven provinces, five US states and across Australia. He is the founder of Urbanthinkers, creating leadership programs and engagement opportunities for youth across non-profit organizations and local government agencies. Arthur has never owned a car and frequently wears a jacket and tie while cycling.
Nicole Roach (she/her)
Sustainable Mobility Director - Green Communities Canada
Nicole holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Communications from McMaster University and a Masters of Sustainability Science, Policy, and Society from Maastricht University. She has worked in the field of sustainable transportation for several years, with a focus on commuting behaviours, community outreach, and children’s mobility. Nicole manages the sustainable mobility programming at Green Communities Canada, overseeing School Travel Planning, the Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA) and other initiatives.
In her spare time, Nicole enjoys exploring cities by bicycle, urban photography, and cooking at home.
Xuedan Xu (she/her)
Sustainable Mobility Lead - Green Communities Canada
Xuedan is a graduate from the University of British Columbia and holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation. Upon graduating, she began her career with Green Communities Canada, and has since supported the coordination of various sustainable mobility initiatives, including School Travel Planning, seasonal active transportation campaigns, and the national school travel data collection pilot project. Prior to her work with Green Communities Canada, Xuedan has worked at municipalities, and other not-for-profit organizations with the goal to improve equity and accessibility of community engagement initiatives.
In her spare time, Xuedan enjoys backpacking through BC’s beautiful mountains, running, and sewing.
Join our Contact List
Get in touch with a request to join at activeschooltravelcanada@gmail.com and via Twitter @ActiveSchoolTC.
SchoolTravel.ca is designed and managed by Green Communities Canada. We are a founding member of the ASTC network and are happy to profile their work on this website.
