Ottawa facing crossing guard shortage
The Ottawa Safety Council, the not-for-profit that employs crossing guards in Ottawa, is facing a shortage of crossing guards weeks ahead of students’ return to school.
The council is looking to recruit close to 100 new guards to provide safety at intersections across the capital. The shortfall in recruiting being blamed on the pandemic, rising gas prices and jobs in other sectors drawing applicants away.
A large contingent of recruits are normally retirees who can be more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Longtime crossing guard Eleanor Murnaghan says she does not do the job for the money, but helping the community.
“As my kids have gotten old enough to go to school on their own, this is my little me-time job,” Murnaghan said. “If you like being outside, if you like giving back to the community and seeing these smiling faces of the kids and parents every day, it’s worth it.”
With school starting in a few weeks, the council says they have 500 shifts to fill each school day at 260 busy traffic intersections across the city.
Jamie Kwong, the executive director of the Ottawa Safety Council, says they need the community to step up to help make it safer on the streets for kids.
“This job entails being great with the community, having a passion for the care and safety of children, and being focused on the task at hand,” she said. “We have guards that have been with us for 20 years.”
Kwong said the job starts at $17 an hour and there are premiums depending on how many shifts people work.
The crossing guard program is a partnership between the Ottawa Safety Council and the city of Ottawa. The council says each year, crossing guards conduct about four million safe crossings.
You can find more information here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
WATCH LIVE Toronto police to release updated list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
Toronto police and law enforcement partners will be releasing the BOLO program’s updated list of the top 25 most wanted fugitives in Canada at a news conference on Tuesday morning.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.