New crossing guards added at Cobblestone roundabout for back-to-school safety

Paris Councillor John Bell chats with crossing guards at the Cobblestone roundabout on the first day of school, Sept. 2, as the County of Brant launched a new staffed crossing to help students safely navigate busy Rest Acres Road.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Parents and students heading back to Cobblestone Elementary School this fall will notice a new safety measure in place at one of Paris’ busiest intersections.

The County of Brant has added a staffed school crossing at Rest Acres Road and Cobblestone Drive, directly at the roundabout. Crossing guards will be on duty before and after school to help children and families cross safely.

The move comes after parents raised concerns last year when the Grand Erie District School Board removed bussing for some children living in the Long Lane, Daugaard Avenue and Court Drive area. Families worried about the safety of elementary-aged students navigating the busy roundabout on foot.

“The GEDSB’s decision caught County staff by surprise,” said Paris Councillor John Bell. “We responded by placing a crossing guard at the existing signalized pedestrian crosswalk at Laurie Ann Lane and Hanlon Place, but the location was safe yet somewhat inconvenient. Some parents chose to drive their children, while older students braved the Cobblestone roundabout.”

County staff conducted a safety assessment over the past school year and worked with the school board’s transportation team to develop a more suitable crossing protocol. The plan includes two crossing guards — one for each direction of traffic — equipped with larger stop paddles. Button-activated flashing lights will also be installed soon to provide drivers with earlier warnings of pedestrians.

To prepare families, the County released an informational video on its Facebook page ahead of the school year and provided additional training to crossing guards. A large traffic notice board has also been placed on Rest Acres Road northbound, reminding drivers to use extra caution as they approach the Arlington Parkway and Cobblestone roundabouts.

“Initial feedback has been positive, but continuous caution and discretion are necessary,” Bell said. “Thank you to County staff and particularly our crossing guards. Drivers, please take care.”