Parents react to lack of crossing guards in Cambridge school zones

At 11 schools in Cambridge, reflective vests are nowhere to be found. All you can find is a sign saying “there will not be a crossing guard at this location.”

That was a shocking sight for Britney, who walks her kid to St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School.

“This is my kid’s first year, so I was a little surprised to no crossing guard.”

Ward 8 Councillor Nicholas Ermeta admitted that he’s heard about the lack of crossing guards this year far more than other years.

“The city is trying new recruitment methods and we’ll see if this generates more interest,” said Ermeta. “Another idea may be to contact past Crossing Guards and inquire about why they haven’t come forward and what kinds of problems with the job they see and then work to try to address the problems. We can also look into additional police enforcement and additional traffic calming measures at key problem intersections.  We do not have the legal authority to direct police however can always ask.”

While the city works out how to solve the problem, most parents agreed that the intersection of Saginaw Parkway and Light Drive is far too busy for kids to cross with no adult guidance.

“It’s a really terrible intersection here, it gets very busy,” said Herb. “People don’t obey the road signs, people are doing U-turns, so it’s not a good idea people took the crossing guard away.”

“It is a bit of a concern because you never know, kids could be walking across by themselves and there could be cars going by without stopping,” said another mother named Brittany.

“I’m very concerned because this intersection is extremely busy. People never stop. Even when there are crossing guards, let alone without,” said Sonia. “I have reached out to the city a number of times about this in the past week and I said they need to start thinking outside the box.”

Sonia suggested that the city make crossing guards full-time city workers by having them work elsewhere in between the bells. She believes this would make the role more enticing.

Ermeta also told CityNews that some residents have suggested increasing pay.

“We would have to review the budget implications and whether it could impact the pay of other positions.  I’m open to reviewing just about anything to solve the problem. As part of that, we would have to review the budget implications and have the community be clear about where the greatest priorities are.”

The hourly rate of pay is $19.95 per hour and Cambridge has 11 vacancies to fill. Locations include:

• Saginaw Parkway at Cowan Boulevard (All Way Stop) – Ward 8
• Saginaw Parkway at Light Drive (All Way Stop) – Ward 8
• Concession Road at Langs Drive (signalized) – Ward 3, 1
• St. Andrews Street at Gilholm Road – Ward 5
• Concession Street at Cameron Street – Ward 4, 6
• Myers Road at Gatehouse Drive – Ward 7
• Avenue Road at Hespeler Road (Signalized) – Ward 4
• Munch Avenue at Sekura Street – Ward 4
• Cowan Boulevard at Robson Avenue (All Way stop) – Ward 8
• West River Road at Grand Ridge Drive (All Way stop) – Ward 6
• Elgin Street N at Northview Heights Drive (All Way stop) – Ward 8

Anyone interested in applying to be a crossing guard can find more here.