Letter dated August 28, 2019 from J. Watters, Greater Victoria School District, Re: Greater Victoria Crossing Guard Program

Re: Greater Victoria Crossing Guard Program

Dear Mayor Screech and Councillors:

At its meeting held on June 24, 2019, the Board of Education of School District No. 61 (Greater Victoria) approved a motion to direct the Board Chair to write relevant funders to advocate for the maintenance of school crossing guard funding.

The Greater Victoria School District would like to acknowledge the contribution that the Town of View Royal has made to the Greater Victoria Crossing Guard Association (GVCGA) in support of its dedicated efforts to provide safe travel routes for students and members of our community. The safety of our students is paramount and we consider the work of the GVCGA essential to safe transit to and from school each day.

The provision of trained safety workers at key intersections throughout the region supports pedestrian traffic at times of day when roadways are most congested. The service is particularly valuable for families with young children who are at risk when navigating high traffic intersections. The work of the GVCGA provides a degree of safety that supports more families in choosing active transportation to and from school.

The Greater Victoria School District recognizes and supports the ongoing efforts of our municipalities to assess and improve the safety of travel routes in our communities and trust that the Town of View Royal will continue to consider the important work of crossing guards in keeping our communities safe for all. We encourage you to consider participating in the establishment of a sustainable, ongoing funding model to ensure that this essential service may continue to meet the needs of our communities.

Yours sincerely,

Jordan Watters Chair, Board of Education

Cc: Board of Education Shelley Green, Superintendent of Schools Katrina Stride, Acting Secretary-Treasurer