C-K answers FAQ about crossing guard program

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As council continues to debate the crossing guard issue in the community, Chatham-Kent has posted some answers to frequently asked questions about the program.

How many Chatham-Kent communities have crossing guards?

Seven communities across the Municipality currently have adult crossing guards. The crossing guard locations include:

– Blenheim – Little St. and Talbot St. West

– Chatham – Oxley St. and Baldoon Rd.; Lacroix St. and Alexandra St.; King St. W. and Merritt Ave.; and McNaughton Ave. and Country Lane (no longer operational due to student crossing volume)

– Dresden – St. George St.

– Ridgetown – Cecil St. and Main St. E.; and Erie St. and David St.

– Tilbury – Stewart St. and Mable St.

– Wallaceburg – Murray St. and Reaume Ave.; and Lawrence Ave. near Thomas Ave. (currently vacant – no applicants)

– Wheatley – Erie St. N. and Richard Ave. Photo of Adult Crossing Guard

Why did Council decide during the 2016 budget to phase out the crossing guard positions?

An Adult Crossing Guard Service Review was completed in 2013 and presented to Council in 2014. The service review identified significant challenges in the recruitment and retention of reliable crossing guards. The Municipality aims to recruit candidates who meet the minimum qualifications set by the Municipality and complete the training process. In spite of ongoing recruitment efforts, the Municipality continues to experience ongoing challenges recruiting adult crossing guards. In addition, there are days when crossing guards are unable to provide notice that they will not be attending for their shift(s). In these cases, we are not able to provide sufficient notice to parents which creates potential risk if a parent is anticipating that their child will have access to a crossing guard. The Municipality has been working with the associated schools on an on-going basis to promote vacant positions, as well as to notify students and parents when coverage is not available (when possible).

Based on 2016 budget deliberations, it was determined the service was no longer sustainable and Council directed staff to phase out the crossing guard service at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
The Municipality is not legislated to provide an adult crossing guard program. As well, it is not a service provided to all elementary schools in Chatham-Kent.

On June 6, Council directed that funding be available to provide pedestrian crosswalk devices, as needed, according to the results of the traffic study. What does this mean?

On June 6 Council passed the following motion:

“That funding at an estimated amount of $500,000 be made available to provide pedestrian crosswalk devices as warranted according to the guidelines established in the Ontario Traffic Manual at school crossings currently manned by crossing guards. That this be funded from the capital budget and/or reserves.

“Engineering services is currently conducting traffic and pedestrian counts at each location and the total cost and timing of implementation will be confirmed in August.

“That crossing guards be maintained until Pedestrian Crosswalk Devices can be installed until the month of November.”

Upon completion of the traffic study, a recommendation with the total cost and timing will be presented to Council in August. Council will then vote to approve, modify or reject the recommendations provided.

What is the traffic study currently underway by Chatham-Kent Engineering Services?

Engineering Services is currently conducting traffic studies at each location where an adult crossing guard is stationed. This study collects data on-site related to vehicular volume, pedestrian volume and road geometrics. The traffic study will determine if pedestrian crossing devices are warranted and at which locations based on the guidelines found in the Ontario Traffic Manual. The timeline for installation will be determined following Council approval and the tendering process. Various methods of traffic control will be considered, including all-way stops, pedestrian crossovers, and pedestrian signals.

The Municipality will provide updates to the Lambton-Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board and post up-to-date information on its website (http://www.chatham-kent.ca/).

How has the Municipality worked to encourage the safety of children in school zones?

The Municipality has an ongoing partnership with the Lambton-Kent District School Board and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. The Municipality works with the school boards to provide notification to students and parents when adult crossing guard coverage is not available (when notice is possible, due to the recruitment challenges). The Municipality also notified the two school boards about the 2016 budget decision, as well as provided ongoing updates regarding the recent Council directions related to the traffic volume study and the extension of the crossing guard service into the fall.

The Municipality invests $300,000 annually for sidewalk maintenance and improvements to ensure pedestrian safety.

Chatham-Kent Police Service provides helpful pedestrian safety guidelines for residents of all ages. Read more at http://ckpolice.com/pedestrian-safety/

I am interested in becoming an adult crossing guard. How do I apply?

Adult crossing guard positions are posted on the Municipality’s Job Board available at http://www.chatham-kent.ca/jobs/Pages/chathamkentjobs.aspx. You can also see job postings on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

I have questions about the adult crossing guard service. Who can I contact?

Should you require further information about the crossing guard service or Council’s directions, please contact Leanne Segeren-Swayze, Director of Customer Service Division at leannes@chatham-kent.ca or phone 519-360-1998.

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