Action must be taken to ensure the safety of Alcona Glen Public School students when they cross Innisfil Beach Road, Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope says.
During last Wednesday’s council meeting, Wauchope called for a town report that will outline possible solutions, including a fully-lit electronic crosswalk.
“About 15,000 cars a day go by that school,” Wauchope said. “Something has to be done to protect those students.”
Wauchope, who lives near the school, said he saw a car nearly hit a young boy has he tried to cross Innisfil Beach Road.
“The fellow was almost struck. The car had to come to a screeching halt and the boy stepped back,” Wauchope said. “I thought for sure he was going to be hit.”
Last week, several parents told the Journal they have been demanding a crosswalk but have run into roadblocks with politicians and town staff.
Parents have been taking the situation into their own hands, forcing vehicles to stop as they cross IBR on mass with their children.
“Parents are frustrated. If they help their children cross the road, they’re jaywalking. If they take the car they can get a “no stopping” ticket, or clog the school lot even more,” parent Stephanie Belanger said. “There is an electronic crosswalk in place on IBR for the seniors home and the library. What will it take to put in a crosswalk for the school? The town will spend millions on beautification. Does human life have a pricetag?”
Students have been told to walk east to Jans Boulevard to cross at the lights and walk west again to get to their homes in the new subdivision.
But Wauchope pointed out there is no sidewalk on the south side of IBR, creating another dangerous situation for students.
Coun. Rod Boynton said traditionally the town has asked parent councils at schools to initiate and help pay for crosswalks so the municipality can avoid the high costs and legal liability.
Mayor Brian Jackson said the town “has an unwritten policy right now” on the issue.
“I think it’s something we might have to take a look at again,” he said.
Last year, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Alcona was denied a crosswalk by council based on the policy.
Cookstown parents are also being told to raise their own funds for a new crosswalk for Cookstown Public School.
Planning director Robert McAuley is expected to report back to council next month.
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