Correspondence from Mrs. Linda Jeaurond re: Crossing Guard Services funding
An email from the View Royal Climate Coalition advocating for permanent crossing guard funding and including excerpts from the Ready Step Roll report.
From: mrs linda jeaurond Sent: January 10, 2023 10:15 AM To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca; Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca Cc: Gery Lemon; Damian Kowalewich DKowalewich@viewroyal.ca; Mattson Ron; John Rogers; Alison Mackenzie ; drlbrown1951 ; Sid Tobias Subject: Attention COW Jan 10, 2023 re Crossing Guard Services funding
Re 6.3.4 Crossing Guard Services funding
Dear Mayor and Councillors
Please note, View Royal Climate Coalition included a request for permanent Crossing Guard funding in correspondence pertaining to the View Royal Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP), respectfully submitted to Engineering, Mayor and Councillors. Dec 19, 2022.
We are therefore deeply disappointed to find our new council is considering ending long established funding for such an important active transportation support, ironically identified as such in 2019/20 by the CRD, Town of View Royal and SD61, during the CRD Active School Travel Planning process, Ready Step Roll.
Particularly since travel challenges identified in the process appear unaddressed:
Photos below of pages 1/2 4, 17
SCHOOL PROFILE & CATCHMENT TRAVEL CONTEXT
View Royal Elementary School Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School District | School District 61 |
| Local Government | Town of View Royal |
| Grades | K-5 |
| 2019 Enrollment | 310 students |
| School Programs |
|
| School-Based Active Travel Support |
|
| New! Ready Step Roll Active Travel Initiatives (ongoing) |
|
View Royal Elementary is one of 27 elementary schools in School District 61, and one of two elementary schools located in the Town of View Royal. The Town of View Royal is located in between the core area of the CRD and the fast-growing Westshore suburbs and consequently experiences high traffic volumes due to commuting and thoroughfare traffic. Moreover, View Royal Elementary is situated on a main connector route to the Trans-Canada Hwy while also being adjacent to the Regional E&N Rail Trail, thus experiencing high vehicle and cyclist volumes during traffic peaks. In the View Royal Baseline School Travel Survey, View Royal families demonstrated an interest in achieving higher active travel participation, but cited family scheduling constraints and traffic safety concerns as common barriers.
SCHOOL TRAVEL CHALLENGES
As identified through formal and informal consultation - listed in order of priority.
Helmcken Road
- High vehicle volumes & speeds
- Poor vehicle yield/stop compliance at roundabouts
- Narrow bike lanes
- Building confidence to use bike lane independently
Island Highway
- High vehicle volumes & speeds
- Lack of sidewalks
- Not enough time to cross intersection/feel unsafe
- Poor traffic law compliance from drivers during rush hour
Rudyard Road
- High vehicle speeds & volumes on narrow road
- Parked vehicles limit pedestrian visibility, removes space for pedestrians to walk
- Lack of sidewalks
- Not enough time to cross intersection/feel unsafe
Glenairlie Drive
- Vehicle speeds
- Lack of sidewalks
- Visibility of pedestrians
E & N Rail Trail
- Personal safety
- Concerns about bullying
- Poor public trail etiquette
- Commuter Bike Speeds
Other roads with similar concerns:
- Admirals Rd, Craigflower Rd, Stormont Rd, Gorge Rd, Watkiss Way
View Royal seems to be a outlier on this funding withdrawal decision. Which seems particularly sad considering the push to establish the district wide funding program to ensure regional fairness decades ago came in part from a parent representing View Royal Elementary School at the district level, Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, VCPAC.
Media highlights the stark regional contrast June 2022: “Victoria and Saanich have committed to fully fund crossing guard services in their communities if the school district operates the program.
That would match the model used by neighbouring Greater Victoria school districts.
The Sooke and Saanich districts use municipal funds to directly provide crossing guard services with educational assistants who are already employed at the schools. School District 63 already gets funding from Saanich to provide the service.”
It is admirable that View Royal Council has declared a climate emergency and is in the midst of Active Transportation planning. Under land use and key destinations in the Aug. baseline report we read “schools and educational / childcare facilities generate a significant number of trips and should be prioritized in the active transportation network.”
We agree. Funding a crossing guard on a busy street to encourage active travel to school by our most vulnerable and impressionable residents is an investment in the present and the future. Good habits last a lifetime. We should encourage them.
Please continue funding the crossing guard, or at least delay making a decision until you have allowed time to respond to student concerns at an evening council meeting. Students thanked you emphatically in December for all you do for them. Please don’t pull the rug now.
Kind regards, Linda Jeaurond, member on behalf of View Royal Climate Coalition.