Barrie Plans to Allocate Between $350,000 and $400,000 for an Adult School Crossing Guard Program and Expand Speed Enforcement Cameras

During the May 29 General Committee meeting at Barrie City Hall, councillors delved into the persistent safety issues surrounding school zones.

Ward 7 Councillor Gary Harvey, a former law enforcement officer, voiced his concerns regarding the speed camera pilot program. He emphasized that the current system might not be equipped to manage additional cameras efficiently. Harvey stressed the importance of having adequate staff and facilities in place before considering any expansion of the program.

Mayor Alex Nuttall reaffirmed his support for the speed camera initiative, which has been generating significant revenue for the city. He underscored the importance of reinvesting the funds from ticket revenues back into safety measures, reinforcing the program's primary goal of enhancing community safety.

The city has earmarked between $350,000 and $400,000 for an adult school crossing guard program. A staff report identified nine critical locations across the city for the deployment of crossing guards. Harvey questioned the criteria used for selecting these sites and compared the proposed costs to those of other municipalities, suggesting that the estimates might be inflated.

Ward 10 Councillor Bryn Hamilton suggested an amendment advocating for a collaborative funding model. This approach would require schools to apply for partial funding, fostering community involvement. Although initially supported, the amendment was withdrawn after Ward 4 Councillor Amy Courser highlighted concerns about the potential inability of some schools to raise the necessary funds.

Ultimately, due to the substantial proposed costs and the lack of clarity regarding the selection of locations, the proposal was referred back to the Community Safety Committee for further review. This decision aims to ensure a more thorough examination and justifiable allocation of resources, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students across the city.