Parents of Royal West Academy are calling for a permanent crossing guard at the intersection of Westminster Avenue and Ainslie Road after a temporary guard installed in the spring was removed. The removal coincided with the postponement of planned intersection upgrades, which have been delayed by an ongoing rail workers’ strike.
The temporary crossing guard was put in place during the spring of 2026 to address safety concerns at the busy crossing near the school. Parents say the guard provided a visible presence that helped protect students as they walked to and from classes. Since its removal, they have reported that several students have been struck by vehicles at the same location in recent years, underscoring the perceived need for a continuous safety measure.
The school and municipal authorities have indicated that permanent changes to the intersection are still on the agenda, but the rail strike has pushed back the timeline for construction and implementation. Rail workers’ actions have halted a number of public‑works projects across the region, and the crossing improvements at Westminster Avenue and Ainslie Road are among those affected.
Royal West Academy parents are now urging the school board and city officials to reinstate a crossing guard on a permanent basis until the intersection upgrades can be completed. They argue that the interim safety solution is essential to protect children while the broader infrastructure work remains on hold.