As a concerned parent in the vibrant community surrounding John English Junior Middle School in Toronto, I am deeply worried about the traffic safety issues affecting our children. Many families, including mine, reside in this area, and our children deserve a safe passage to their school and nearby parks. It is imperative that the city addresses these safety concerns to ensure the well-being of our young ones.

Currently, the intersection of Royal York and Hillside offers no safe crossing for children. The absence of a crosswalk at this busy juncture in close proximity to the school and parks poses a significant risk as children and other residents attempt to navigate the area, particularly during peak traffic times. A dedicated crosswalk can drastically reduce this risk, offering a safe and controlled environment as they make their way to and from school.

Moreover, the traffic flow along Hillside Avenue, stretching from Royal York to Lakeshore and the traffic on George Street, is far from safe. The current traffic situation often results in congestion and presents dangers, not just for children on their way to John English Junior Middle School but also for pedestrians trying to access local parks and community areas. Implementing measures to regulate and streamline traffic in this area would significantly enhance safety for all community members.

Statistics show that in areas where safe pedestrian crossings and better traffic management have been implemented, the rate of traffic-related incidents sharply decreases, making these measures proven solutions to enhance community safety. The need for these improvements is urgent and should not be delayed.

By signing this petition, you are urging the City of Toronto to install a crosswalk at Royal York and Hillside and to improve the traffic flow along Hillside Avenue and George St in front of the school. Let us prioritize the safety of our children and community members by taking these necessary steps. Please join us in making our community a safer place for everyone. Sign this petition to show your support and help drive this much-needed change.