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Councillor hits roadblocks over crosswalks

Vernon Coun. Scott Anderson says more needs to be done safeguard children
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A Vernon politician is frustrated that more can’t be done to keep school children safe.

Coun. Scott Anderson has been told the city doesn’t play a role in providing crossing guards at schools despite significant concern from parents.

“It’s unfortunate,” he said of the response from city council members and staff.

“We’re trying to get kids to walk to school and ride bikes and we can’t provide safety measures. I was just trying to determine some kind of solution to safeguard the kids.”

Anderson says he was simply wanting to tap into the knowledge of city staff to determine possible options for safety improvements at schools like Beairsto, including paid or volunteer crossing guards.

“This is a dangerous situation for the kids.”

City hall has been directing parents concerned about pedestrian safety to the Vernon School District.

“Crossing guards are not a program of the city,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer.

Coun. Catherine Lord also added that safety of children begins at home.

“It’s the parents that have to be responsible for that,” she said.