Residents are being urged to extend their gratitude to the unsung heroes of their neighborhoods – crossing guards.
As Crossing Guard Appreciation Week kicks off today, the City of Peterborough aims to raise awareness of the invaluable role these guards play in ensuring the safety of children on their journey to and from school.
To further support crossing guards, residents are encouraged to obey their signals, slow down near school crossings, and strictly adhere to traffic laws. Compliance with road safety laws is imperative, with all vehicles and cyclists required to come to a complete stop at school crossings until all children and crossing guards have safely crossed the road.
In alignment with the city’s dedication to safety, new Community Safety Zones have been implemented in areas surrounding elementary and secondary schools. These zones mandate reduced speed limits, ensuring a safer environment for students and crossing guards alike.
Currently, Peterborough employs 52 school crossing guards and is actively seeking more individuals to join their ranks for September 2024. Interested applicants can apply through the city’s website or by phone (705-742-7777 ext. 1787).
Additionally, the Ontario Traffic Council’s drawing contest, themed “Celebrating Our School Crossing Guards,” garnered significant participation, with submissions from schools across Ontario, including Peterborough. Winning drawings have been transformed into thank-you cards and social media graphics, available for download on the Ontario Traffic Council’s website.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
