NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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The Orillia Police Services Board is pleased to announce that Mayor Steve Clarke has proclaimed Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, as School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in the City of Orillia. Since January 2015, the Orillia Police Services Board has administered the School Crossing Guard Program. The Board employs 18 dedicated crossing guards, who are stationed at 14 crosswalk locations throughout the community.
At the Board’s request, Mayor Clarke has designated this special day for citizens to show their gratitude to crossing guards and acknowledge their commitment to pedestrian safety.
“School crossing guards provide an invaluable service to our community. I encourage everyone to personally thank their neighbourhood crossing guards for their dedication helping to create safe walking and cycling routes to school and work,” said Mayor Clarke, Chair of the Orillia Police Services Board. “We are very fortunate to have such a devoted group of crossing guards who take on this responsibility, brave inclement weather and work under various traffic conditions to safely escort pedestrians across the roadway.”
Parents, children, and schools that are interested in showing support to their neighbourhood crossing guards can write letters of appreciation, personalize thank you cards, draw pictures, or simply greet their crossing guard with a friendly smile.
“The focus of School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is to praise the fantastic work that crossing guards perform on a daily basis, but it is also an opportunity to remind pedestrians how to cross the roadway safely,” said Kristine Preston, Executive Assistant to the Orillia Police Services Board and Supervisor for the Crossing Guard Program.
“Pedestrians should remain on the sidewalk curb until the crossing guard signals that it is safe to cross. Remember to look left, right, and behind before entering the crosswalk, and listen to the crossing guard’s instructions.” Preston added that motorists can also show their recognition to crossing guards by approaching school zones with caution, and waiting for pedestrians to completely cross the roadway.
Crossing Guards will be invited to attend a special reception with the Orillia Police Services Board on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. in the Mayor’s Office at Orillia City Centre, 50 Andrew St. S.
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