The City of Orillia is encouraging residents to show their support and appreciation for their neighbourhood crossing guards during Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, taking place from June 3 to 7, 2024.
“Each day, our crossing guards demonstrate remarkable dedication, standing guard in various weather and traffic conditions to safeguard our pedestrians,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “It’s important that we acknowledge and appreciate the commitment of our crossing guards to maintaining safety. I encourage everyone to thank their crossing guards and support their efforts by exercising increased caution, patience, and slower speeds at school crossings.”
School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week is a week-long event dedicated to recognizing and honouring the essential contributions of school crossing guards in our communities. This initiative strives to create a heightened awareness of the critical role crossing guards play in promoting safe and active travel to school.
This is the sixth consecutive year that Orillia crossing guards have been recognized with a province-wide initiative coordinated by the Ontario Traffic Council.
For 2024, the Ontario Traffic Council held a province-wide drawing contest that asked students to express their creativity, originality and heartfelt appreciation of crossing guards. Through the contest, 179 drawing submissions were received from 50 schools across Ontario. The winning drawings have been incorporated into thank you cards that may be downloaded, printed, and given by students to their crossing guard. Additionally, various graphics and promotional materials are available to help everyone celebrate School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week. View the winning submissions and download thank you cards and social media graphics on the Ontario Traffic Council website.
Quick Facts
- The City of Orillia currently employs 17 school crossing guards to cover 14 school crossing zones across the City.
- Crossing guards work two hours per school day from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m., except at Atlantis Drive and Bass Lake Side Road where the guard works from 8 to 9 a.m. and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- When school zone lights are flashing, the legal speed limit is reduced from 50 to 40 km per hour during the two hours per school day when a guard is present.
