Parents of students at Royal West Academy in Montreal West are pleased to see a police crossing guard now stationed at the busy intersection of Westminster Avenue and Ainslie Road. Concerns about safety arose after two separate incidents involving students being struck by cars, leading to heightened pressure from parents for increased safety measures.
Following the initial incidents and an outcry from parents, a crossing guard was temporarily assigned to the intersection until the end of the previous school year. However, concerns remained as the guard was not reinstated for the current school year. In response to ongoing safety worries, the municipality decided to reduce the roadway from four lanes to two, aiming to enhance visibility for drivers and provide more secure crossing options for pedestrians.
At present, parents report that an SPVM crossing guard, cadet, or officer is now present at the intersection during both morning and afternoon hours. This presence is set to continue until the recent road modifications are completed, expected by early next month, and a subsequent reassessment of the intersection is conducted. The Royal West parent participation organization safety subcommittee has expressed relief at the decision, emphasizing the importance of addressing the unique safety challenges faced by students who frequently cross at this intersection.
