Some 200 crossing guards will hit the streets in Mississauga as school returns

Starting next week, tens of thousands of young Mississauga students will be hopping on the bus or their bikes–or taking a short walk–to return to school for another year.

Peel Regional Police have also indicated they’ll provide a beefed-up presence in school zones across the city to ensure the safety of students and others.

Not to be forgotten, a relatively small army of people will also hit the streets at Mississauga schools and areas nearby with a mandate to keep the kids safe.

The City of Mississauga says some 200 crossing guards, outfitted in their recognizable vests and jackets and carrying small stop signs, will be deployed to schools at both school boards across the city on the first day of classes.

And they’ll remain throughout the school year–rain, shine or heavy snow–to ensure young students and others make their way across busy streets without incident.

City officials say the crossing guards “will be ready on the first day of school to help students from kindergarten to fifth grade cross the road safely.”

For areas not assigned crossing guards, but are deemed by members of the community to be in need of one, City officials say they’re open to suggestions.

“If you’re concerned about the safety of school children crossing the road at a specific location, you can request a site inspection (for a crossing guard),” the City says on its website. “If approved, members of Traffic Safety Council and City and school board staff will visit the area to determine if a crossing guard is needed.”

Officials say they’ll look at the conditions around the area in the 30 minutes both before school begins and after classes end for the day.

They’ll then make overall safety recommendations that can also include adding signs or requesting parking or police enforcement.

To request a crossing guard site inspection, call 905-896-5167.

You’ll be asked to provide the following information:

• name of school
• reason for request
• intersection or location where you’d like a crossing guard
• your name, address and phone number

City officials say they’re also always looking for new crossing guards.

Those interested can call the number listed above.

City officials remind everyone, especially drivers, to be careful on the roads as students from pre-school to post-secondary return to classes on Sept. 6.

“Mississauga roads will be busy with thousands of students walking, riding their bikes, taking a bus or being driven to school. All road users are reminded to stay alert and remain cautious to prevent collisions,” officials say.