We, the undersigned, are concerned for the safety of elementary school students who must cross Highway 15 in order to attend St. Martha Catholic School and École Maple Elementary School in Kingston’s east end.

Under current school transportation policies, many students living within a designated distance from their school are not eligible for bus transportation and are therefore expected to walk. As a result, a significant number of young children must cross Highway 15 daily in order to travel safely to and from school.

Parents, residents, and community members have repeatedly observed dangerous conditions at this intersection, including vehicles accelerating through yellow and red lights, speeding through the area, and making turns while pedestrians are still within designated crossing areas.

While traffic signals and existing road safety measures are in place, many residents observe these measures have not been effective enough to ensure the safety of children travelling to and from school. 

Concerns continue to be raised regarding driver behaviour and the risks faced daily by young pedestrians crossing Highway 15.

Despite the significant number of students using this crossing each day, there is currently no crossing guard stationed at Highway 15 and Rose Abbey Drive, while nearby school intersections are staffed with crossing guards.

We respectfully request that the City of Kingston and the appropriate school authorities take immediate action to install a crossing guard at Highway 15 and Rose Abbey Drive to improve student safety and provide greater peace of mind for families in the community.

The safety of young children walking to school and crossing a highway must be a top priority!

Ryan Boehme

Pittsburgh District Councillor