Crossing Guard Guidelines for public safety

Town Council

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The Town of Saugeen Shores may soon have new guidelines regarding school crossing guards as a result of a petition brought to the town by two Port Elgin residents, Joanna Alpajaro and Maureen Rinn.

The walking distance for the Catholic School Board has been increased to 1.6 km matching that of the Blue Water School Board in what appears to be an attempt to reduce bussing costs. Also, privately paid for bussing by parents is no longer an option either because of liability issues between bus companies and school boards. Therefore, as stated in the petition, the number of children who will be walking to and from school will increase.

Of particular concern to the two petitioners is Waterloo Street in Port Elgin. The street has become a main arterial thoroughfare that is also crossed by streets leading to two elementary schools, Saugeen Central public school and St. Joseph's elementary school. In addition, Northport elementary school is located on Waterloo Street north.

Bill Jones, Director of Public Works, brought forward a report and recommendation that Council provide direction for drawing up a crossing guard policy or guideline by October 30th, with a final policy to be submitted to council on November 9th.

See the entire report ... by clicking here

Presently, there are three crossing guards in Southampton and two in Port Elgin. One from each location controls crossings on Hwy 21.

Councillor Fred Shildroth wanted to know what the liability implications are for a crossing guard situation versus a stopllight crossing.

Mayor Mike Smith said that a crossing guard guideline would demonstrate the town was showing due diligence.

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28/09/2009 10:39 PM

 Councillor Luke Charbonneau said that, at crossings where there are young children in particular, both lights and a guard are warranted. "Young children may not know how to activate lights and there should be both lights and a guard at high traffic locations."

Deputy Mayor Doug Frieburger pointed out that a pedestrian study should also be done in conjunction with a traffic study before making a decision on whether or not a crossing guard is warranted. "I would also like to see studies repeated regularly since situations can change. Where traffic might be light one day, it could be heavy the next at the same time of day. Also, studies done from September to April do not even come close to the traffic that is here in the summer."

Councillor Victoria Serda said that she lives close to all three schools in question. "There are definitely problems with young children trying to cross Waterloo Street," she said. "It has become a major arterial road and there are no marked crossings on it so that children really have to watch for cars before attempting to cross."

The petition also raised the question of sidewalk snow clearing. Councillor Diane Huber said that she liked the idea of crosswalk guidelines but that council should also closely look at the issue of snow removal on sidewalks.

Mayor Mike Smith added that he too liked the idea of guidelines. "The crosswalks that are are there will stay. We just want look at the possibility of adding more if needed."

The cost for a school crossing guard is $8,000 a year.

The matter will be brought back to the Committee of the Whole but, if anyone has questions or suggestions, they can contact Bill Jones at the Town at (519)832-2008.

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