A crossing guard has been reinstated at an intersection near Royal West Academy in Montreal West after parents called for improved safety following multiple incidents in which students were hit by cars. The move comes after parents successfully pushed for a crossing guard at the Westminster Avenue and Ainslie Road intersection, near the Montreal West train, after three students were hit at the intersection in less than two years. Two students were taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The crossing guard was stationed at the intersection from April until the end of the last school year. Parents launched a campaign in June to reinstate the guard. “We know from surveilling the students that this made a huge difference to them in terms of their feeling of safety and security,” said Joanna Duy, a parent at Royal West Academy. “We’re just super happy to have someone back even if it’s just temporary.” The municipality had longer-term plans to improve safety at the intersection by reconfiguring the lanes, but the work was delayed this summer. The crossing guard is expected to remain in place until road work in the area is completed in October.
