Crosswalk coming to St. Pius X High School this fall
Come September, St. Pius X Catholic High School students will have to do more than look both ways when crossing the street.
By the time the new school year begins this fall, a crosswalk will be in place to allow students to safely cross to and from the Fisher Ave. school.
"St. Pius X was having issues with students jaywalking and almost getting hit," explained River ward Councillor Maria McRae. "So, I lobbied my council colleagues and am pleased to announce we have the money for a new crosswalk and that the work will be done this summer."
The councillor said the crosswalk would not only provide a safe place for students to cross Fisher Ave., but all pedestrians walking in that area.
"We, as a city, need to do more to increase pedestrian safety," she said. "Now, everyone can look forward to the first week back to school when we will have a huge 'official crossing' to mark the occasion."
In an effort to discourage students from continuing to jaywalk, Coun. McRae also explained that fines would be issued to anyone who chooses not to cross at the proper location.
"This has the full support of the school principal and school council," the councillor said. "It will be great to have this new safety measure in place, but the downside is going to be, if they choose to cross dangerously, there will be a ticketing blitz."
Although the councillor was unsure of the exact cost involved in constructing the crosswalk, she did refer to it as a huge victory for the Carleton Heights neighbourhood.
"I really want to thank the school council, teachers and the principal for advocating the ticketing of anyone who doesn't use the crosswalk," she continued. "I'm thrilled with the outcome. And, I think given how smart the kids at St. Pius X are, they won't cross outside of the walk."
Attempts to obtain an official comment from a member of the Ottawa Catholic School Board were unsuccessful by EMC deadline.
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