Dear Editor,
I would like to offer a solution to the safety crossing concerns at the intersection of Milligan and Crystal Ridge Drive, as stated in Megan Thrall’s news story on Feb. 27, and the many other complaints before it.
I live very close to the intersection and my daughters were among the first class of students to attend the school some 26 years ago. One of them now lives in Western Australia where my husband and I spend two to three months every year. While there, we both commented on how brilliant a system they have in place for before and after school crossing guards. I immediately thought it a solution for Dr. Morris Gibson.
To our observation, we believe these guards to be mostly retirees. Obviously they are there to see children safely across the street but equally as important, they move traffic. Yes, I said equal. If you have ever had to sit at that intersection during school arrival or departure you will know that there can be a steady stream of kids on all four crosswalks and traffic is at a standstill until the last straggler has crossed. Yes, I’m an adult and I sit there and don’t move my vehicle until the last footstep has reached the sidewalk on the other side. But it is maddening. Here’s a shout-out to the one or two parents who actually stop the flow and let a few cars through. So Coun. Christophers, here is my suggestion. Have your administration Google the Western Australia Police Force, traffic division, children’s crossings. Then ask how to apply to become a crossing warden.
Heck, you’d have no problem recruiting volunteers first thing every morning at any Timmys, A&W or McDonald’s.
Tracey Pope
Okotoks
