Standing up for safety

Parents in New Lowell feel they deserve the same consideration as other communities in the Township when it comes to getting their children to school safely. Led by Helena Hayward, they were able to convince Clearview Council to re-open discussion on the hiring of a crossing guard to square things up.

Hayward’s presentation at the September 9 Council meeting, complete with a 150-person petition and families attending in support, brought forth her desire for Council to reconsider the decision of July 22 when New Lowell was denied a guard, while additional guards were approved in Creemore and Stayner.

Hayward says her community has as great, if not a greater need, for this service and deserves a guard to man the Lamers Road location to protect the 50 walking students, plus siblings, caregivers and friends who must get from the north side of County Road 9 to attend their public school on the south side of the highway.

On her list of concerns were the types and speed of vehicles – large transports regularly use this road and though the speeds and school zones are posted, compliance is not always the norm – as well as the complexity of the crossing for children, most of whom are under 10 years of age.

Policy is in place and studies have been completed to help make decisions for placing crossings but the final call on the hiring is with Council. If locations do not meet the Policy’s criteria, as was the case with other locations approved on July 22, Council has the ability to use their discretion to increase public safety under their policy.

Staff will review the location and bring forward a new – though, according to General Manager of Transportation and Recreation Steve Sage, doubtfully very different – report to Council at the next meeting. Then they will have the task of deciding how to service the walkers of New Lowell.