A crossing guard has resumed duties at the Montreal West intersection that serves students of Royal West Academy, ending a period during which the crossing was left unprotected. The reinstatement follows a petition by parents who pressed municipal officials after summer roadwork delayed the guard’s return.
The intersection has a history of safety concerns. In previous years, Royal West Academy students were struck by vehicles while attempting to cross, prompting community calls for a permanent crossing guard.
Parents of the students organized meetings and communicated with city authorities, emphasizing the need for continuous protection, especially during the school year. Their efforts coincided with the completion of roadwork that had disrupted the crossing’s safety measures over the summer.
City officials confirmed that the guard would be back on duty starting this week, restoring the safety barrier that had been absent. The presence of the guard is expected to reduce the risk of future incidents and provide reassurance to students and families.
The return of the crossing guard marks a response to community advocacy and addresses the gap left by the roadwork delays. Local residents anticipate that the renewed protection will help prevent further accidents at the busy intersection.
Summer roadwork on the intersection had extended into the school calendar, removing signage and barriers that previously guided traffic. Without a guard, students were required to navigate the crossing on their own, raising safety concerns among families.
Earlier incidents in which students were hit by vehicles sparked media attention and reinforced demands for a permanent guard. Those events underscored the vulnerability of children crossing at that point of the road.
Municipal transportation planners indicated that the crossing guard will remain on schedule throughout the academic year, and that routine monitoring will continue to assess the need for additional safety measures.