Additional safety measures introduced for new school year after Almonte boy’s tragic death in bus collision

As the community of Almonte continues to grieve the loss of nine-year-old Archer Lowe, who died after being struck by a school bus in June, the Municipality of Mississippi Mills says new safety measures are being introduced ahead of the school year.

Emergency crews were called to Paterson Street on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 25, after a bicycle and a school bus collided near R. Tait McKenzie Public School. Archer sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The tragedy prompted an outpouring of support, with residents sharing tributes online and more than $32,000 raised through a GoFundMe to assist his family. Archer, remembered as a “vibrant kid who loved soccer and Pokémon,” lived in Mississippi Mills with his family.

Mayor Christa Lowry acknowledged the impact of the tragedy in a statement this week.

“We continue to grieve the community’s tragic loss in June. I acknowledge the deep impact this has had on families, schoolmates, friends and neighbours,” she said. “Although we move forward, we carry that heavy loss with us.”

Lowry said the municipality’s engineering team reviewed safety options for the area over the summer, taking into account the slope of the street, drainage issues and property line challenges. As an initial step, centre line bollards will be installed before classes resume — three on Paterson Street and two on King Street — to help calm traffic and protect pedestrians.

She added that the municipality is working closely with both school boards and the OPP to ensure any future measures are well-informed.

“As our youngest citizens return to class, let’s come together with care and intention,” Lowry said. “Please slow down near school zones, watch for buses and crossings, and be extra mindful of the young lives around us.”