Council unanimously approved a crossing guard for the intersection of Britannia Avenue and Colborne Street, after the BWG Traffic Committee recommended the move at its October meeting.
"It has been a challenge getting this approved but we are there now," said Ward 2 Coun. Gary Baynes.
Baynes says at the beginning and end of each school day, there are around 100 students from St. Marie of the Incarnation on Colborne and at Fred C. Cook schools who use part of the intersection at Britannia and Colborne, in addition to numerous vehicles.
The cost of the crossing guard will be $12,500 per year and will be discussed in the November budget meeting. The crossing guard would begin working in January.
"That is a relatively small cost to help improve student safety at this busy intersection while they are on route to and from school, especially when we are encouraging more and more students to “walk ‘n’ wheel” to and from school for healthy living aspects, to increase safety by reducing traffic congestion near schools, and to improve the air quality right outside our schools," said Coun. Baynes.
Over the year, the intersection has seen an increased amount of pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Surrounding schools and families in the area are extemely happy with council's decision.
"I was very pleased to hear about the additional support for our students here at St. Marie of the Incarnation Catholic School," said Robert Harrison, Principal of the school. St. Marie of the Incarnation is located on Colborne Street.
"Our primary goal is student safety and when you can add more help to ensure that, it is always welcome. The last five years have seen our (student) population grow by over 50 percent and it is great to know that the town of Bradford has recognized this and has added a crossing guard to further assist our school community to keep our students safe," Harrison said.
