New school’s location raises safety concerns

The stretch of King’s Highway between Keating Avenue and McIrvine Road has become a safety concern for the town with the number of high schoolers now crossing the roadway there during the lunch hour.
The issue was brought up to council at Monday night’s regular meeting through a letter from Dennis Brunn, chairman of the Rainy River District School Board.
Brunn said the school board is concerned about the safety of students crossing the road there “especially during the lunch break,” and noted “some type of control would create a safer environment.”
Coun. Struchan Gilson noted many students head for a hole in the fence near the A&W, which puts them right at the centre of the block–far away from the crossing lights at either end.
“I think something has to be done pretty quickly,” he warned. “These are going off to committees. Is there anything that can be done in the meantime?”
“If it is really a high-risk area, and I think it is, why don’t we get the town policemen on it?” wondered Coun. Bill Martin. “Maybe they could put a constable out there from 11:30 to 12:30 to direct traffic.”
While this stretch of King’s Highway was designated a Community Safety Zone by the town at council’s last meeting Aug. 23, Clerk Glenn Treftlin noted that still has to go through the Ministry of Transportation for approval.
Coun. Deane Cunningham, who was acting mayor at Monday’s meeting, said if the town was to have anything permanent done, it also would have to get the approval of the province since it is the highway at that point.
But Coun. Gilson stressed he would like to see the town do something in the immediate future, as well as come up with a long-term future.
“We have to advise the police that they have some kind of presence there during the noon hour,” he said.
“At what age do you become responsible for crossing a busy street?” Coun. Sharon Tibbs asked. “They certainly have some responsibility as young adults.”
“Agreed,” Coun. Gilson said. “But they still are our children.”
“And it will get worse when there’s ice and snow,” interjected Coun. Martin.
Brunn’s letter was referred to the local police services board as well as to several executive committees. In the meantime, Coun. Roy Avis noted the letter comes a little late.
“This [school] project has been going on for two years now,” he said. “Taking two years and knowing this problem would come on board, why was this problem not brought to our attention [sooner]?”