Residents are being asked to provide input on Sarnia’s crossing guard program ahead of the 2024-2025 school year.
In a news release issued recently, city officials said they’re reviewing the current program, in order to “best meet the safety needs of pedestrians in the community while ensuring the most efficient utilization of taxpayer resources.”
Historically, the City has delivered crossing guard services via a third-party contractor, but moved the services in-house in 2023 after ‘a dramatic increase in the costs of third-party crossing guard contracts.’
“With recent changes to the program, we are taking an in-depth look at crossing guard services in the community before we move forward into the 2024-2025 school year,” said Manager of Development and Transportation Alister Brown. “We want to ensure we are using these resources efficiently in a way that meets the needs of residents and maintains pedestrian safety.”
A single, in-house crossing guard costs $14,500 per year, officials stated; while a third-party contract guard costs $23,500 per year.
Currently, the City of Sarnia maintains 29 student crossing locations.
“Residents can help inform an ongoing review of the program, and potential recommendations, by completing the City’s short online survey," the news release added. “The survey gauges current levels of satisfaction, and interest in changes to the locations of crossing guards or the use of alternative safety measures.”
Further information and the survey can be accessed at www.speakupsarnia.ca/Guards.