Why this downtown intersection is dangerous for school kids, parents say

What's it going to take?

It's a question several parents requesting extra traffic calming measures near Lord Roberts Public School don't want to find out the answer to.

The downtown French immersion school's parent group is asking the city to hire a crossing guard to patrol the four-way stop of Maitland Street and Princess Avenue.

The intersection isn't exactly perpendicular the two roads zig-zag before meetingwhich presents added dangers, said Sara Middleton, co-chair of the school's council. The council is made up of a body of parents, administration, teachers, students and community members.

"There have been incidents where cars are not stopping or there have been close calls," she said, adding that several properties in the area have tall hedges and fencing that create blind spots for pedestrians and cars.

The area of the school occupied by up to 400 students draws more commuter traffic, as it invites drivers taking shortcuts to work of coming off bigger roadways like Adelaide Street.

Middleton, who chairs a health-focused committee, said the intersection's dangerous reputation has deterred parents from allowing their children to walk to school.

Roadblocks ahead

Area councillor Tanya Park will presenta request on Tuesday asking a city committee to consider a crossing guard. The formal requestcites a petition signed by more than 200 people that will also be presented.

It's not the first time the issue has come before council.

In 2016, city staff probed the idea of implementing a crossing guard, however it was deemed unnecessary following an evaluation, said Middleton.

The city is responsible for hiring crossing guards through a program moved by city staff and London police.

Middleton said city staff will look into the number of cars and children at an intersection as part of an evaluation to see if a crossing guard is needed. However, many children won't cross that intersection anymore to avoid possible dangers.

"We feel defeated before we have the opportunity," said Middleton, who hopes city staff will reconsider its evaluation.

City officials were unavailable for comment when contacted by CBC News over the weekend.

Measures in place

City council reducedthe speed limits in school zones earlier this school year to 40 km/h.

• Driving in a school zone? Police enforcing new speed limits

Last year, council approved a decision to participate in Ontario's Traffic Council's Automated Speed Enforcement working group to develop proposals related to calming measures, such as a red light camera system.

• Council cuts vacancy tax rebate, supports school safety zones, OKs flex street

That's why, Lincoln McCardle, a parent of two boys at the school, said a crossing guard "is a small price to pay to make sure everyone is safer."

"What's it going to take? For a child to get hurt, or worse?"