3 adult crossing guards added to improve student safety

Stephen Blais is proud to announce that students will be able to cross local roads more safely this school year. Blais was able to secure the funding to add three new locations in Cumberland Ward.

The new Adult Crossing Guards will be located at the intersection of Brian Coburn Boulevard and Esprit Drive, Brian Coburn Boulevard and Lakeridge Drive / Aquaview Drive, and at Esprit Drive and Vista Park Drive / Corbridge Street.

“I’ve been pressing to have crossing guards at intersections on Brian Coburn Blvd for the sake of our children, and my commitment to making our streets safer,” says Councillor Blais. “The Adult Crossing Guards will ensure that drivers come to a complete stop, and that our children make to it and from school safely every day.”

The Adult Crossing Guard program is funded by City of Ottawa, though the program is managed by the Ottawa Safety Council, a dedicated group of volunteers that provide safety and education programs to residents in Ottawa.

Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed. Motorists who disregard or ignore an Adult Crossing Guard’s stop sign can be penalized between $150 and $500 and additionally lose demerit points.

Cumberland Ward Councillor Stephen Blais has made road safety one of his top priorities since being elected. In addition to the I Stop, You Stop campaign Blais has spearheaded and initiated many programs throughout Cumberland Ward and throughout the city to encourage drivers to slow down and reduce careless driving.

“We are starting to see a reduction of driving speeds on our neighbourhood streets; people understand that leaving a few minutes earlier or putting the phone down is a much better option than being in an accident or injuring your neighbours child,” says Blais. “Programs like “I Stop, You Stop”, Pedestrian Crossovers or Crossing Guards, Flex Stakes, Radar Boards, and even road paint are all part of the mix of tools we use to create a safer and slower neighbourhood.”

Other Adult Crossing Guards are in place this school year along Portobello Blvd, Provence Ave, Valin St, Gardenway Dr, Orchardview Ave, and at the Des Epinettes Ave / Prestwick Dr intersection.