Request a School Crossing Guard in Oshawa - City Bylaw

Education Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Oshawa, Ontario families and school staff can request a municipal school crossing guard where children need help crossing streets safely near schools. This guide explains who is responsible in Oshawa, the evidence and criteria used to evaluate requests, how to apply, typical enforcement pathways, and what to expect after you submit a request. It links to the City of Oshawa program and the City By-law/Enforcement contacts so you can follow up directly.[1][2]

How requests are assessed

The City evaluates crossing guard requests based on visibility, vehicle speeds, pedestrian volumes at school peak times, and collision history. Decisions balance safety, operational resources and the safe location of stops. If a site does not meet criteria, the City may recommend alternate mitigations such as signage, pavement markings or traffic-calming measures.

If a site seems urgent, report it immediately to By-law or Transportation so it can be inspected.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces pedestrian crossing and traffic safety through traffic operations and by-law teams and coordinates with Durham Regional Police for moving violations. Specific monetary fines for failure to obey a crossing guard, or for obstructing a crossing guard assignment, are not specified on the cited pages; refer to the enforcement contacts below to confirm current fine amounts.[2]

  • Enforcer: City of Oshawa Transportation Services and By-law Enforcement; Durham Regional Police for Highway Traffic Act violations.
  • Inspection: site inspection and pedestrian counts are used to verify the request.
  • Appeals: not specified on the cited page; contact the City By-law Enforcement or Transportation Services for review procedures and time limits.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for municipal crossing-guard related offences.
  • Non-monetary orders: possible actions include official orders to correct hazards, recommended traffic controls, or referral to police for enforcement.
If you receive a response that mentions fines or orders, request the specific bylaw section or ticket code in writing.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes an online form and contact route for crossing guard requests and traffic safety concerns; specific form numbers or fees are not listed on the cited pages. Submit requests through the City's transportation or by-law web pages or by contacting the department directly for the current application and any required documentation.[1]

  • Required information typically includes location, nearest school, peak times observed, number of children, and details of safety concerns.
  • Processing time: not specified on the cited page; ask the City contact for typical timelines.

Action steps: request, follow up, escalate

  • File a request using the City of Oshawa crossing guard or traffic-safety contact page and include photos and times.
  • Follow up with By-law Enforcement or Transportation Services if you do not receive acknowledgement within the City’s stated timeframe.
  • If immediate danger exists, contact Durham Regional Police or your school board to request interim measures.
Document dates and times for inspections or correspondence to support an appeal or follow-up.

FAQ

Who can request a crossing guard?
Parents, school staff, school boards, or residents may request a crossing guard for a school crossing location; the City will inspect and assess the site for eligibility.
Is there a fee to request a guard?
No fee is specified on the City's published pages for requesting a school crossing guard; confirm with City staff if a special study fee applies.[1]
How long does it take to get a decision?
Processing time is not specified on the cited pages; typical steps include inspection, data collection, and a decision—contact Transportation Services for expected timelines.

How-To

  1. Gather details: exact crossing location, nearest school, peak times, estimated number of students, and photos.
  2. Submit the request via the City of Oshawa crossing guard or transportation contact form with the information gathered.[1]
  3. Follow up by phone or email with By-law Enforcement or Transportation Services if you do not receive confirmation within a week.
  4. If the site is rejected and you disagree, request the written rationale and the review or appeal steps from the City.

Key Takeaways

  • Requests require evidence: times, counts and photos help.
  • Contact Oshawa Transportation or By-law Enforcement to start the process and for timelines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Oshawa - School Crossing Guards
  2. [2] City of Oshawa - By-law Enforcement

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