The recent focus on snow hills in schoolyards has ignited a considerable debate in Quebec. As the holiday season approaches, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and management of these snow mounds, particularly in light of recent recommendations from the Union Réciproque d’Assurance Scolaire du Québec (URASQ).
Controversy Over Snow Hills
In 2024, former Education Minister Bernard Drainville announced the return of snow hills, reigniting conversations about safety. His successor, Sonia LeBel, is now addressing the recommendations from URASQ aimed at improving safety without overburdening school staff.
Safety Recommendations from URASQ
URASQ has suggested various guidelines for the management of snow hills, emphasizing the need for reasonable precautions. Caroline Vermette, the organization’s director general, highlighted several key recommendations:
- Snow hill heights between 1.8 and 3 meters
- A slope of approximately 25%
- A designated waiting and recovery zone
- Daily inspections, noting conditions such as snow quality and presence of water or ice
- A monitoring plan and usage schedule based on age and skill level
- A communication strategy for parents
If these guidelines are met, there will be no requirement for students to wear helmets while using the hills.
Public Responses and Ministerial Position
LeBel calls for common sense among school leaders when applying these recommendations. She urges them to prioritize outdoor play during winter while ensuring safety.
In her social media remarks, she emphasized the importance of balanced judgement: “It’s about using common sense,” she stated.
Factories of various school service centers (CSS) have responded, reaffirming URASQ’s recommendations as best practices rather than strict mandates. Dominique Robert, the director of the Federation of CSS in Quebec, stated that they aim to balance student safety with practical risks.
Local Management of Snow Hills
Interestingly, the management of snow hills varies across different regions. For instance, the Committee for Tax Management on the Island of Montreal has not set formal guidelines regarding the dimensions of snow hills. However, Alain Perron from the Centre de Services Scolaire de Montréal assured that schools are mindful of safety while allowing students to enjoy winter activities.
The Broader Context of Play and Risk
The upcoming changes are part of a larger effort to encourage outdoor play among children. Since 2025-2026, official directives will allow the establishment of snow piles, and URASQ’s guidelines align with current practices that schools already follow.
Drainville previously acknowledged the inherent risks of childhood play, emphasizing the need to accept a degree of risk for the sake of play and enjoyment. His stance aligns with findings from the Canadian Pediatric Society, which advocates for more unrestricted play to support children’s physical and emotional health.
In conclusion, as schools prepare for winter, the conversation surrounding the management of snow hills continues, focusing on prioritizing safety while encouraging fun and active play for students.
