Minutes

Brampton School Traffic Safety Council

The Corporation of the City of Brampton

Thursday, June 01, 2023

9:30 A.m. - 11:30 A.m.

Hybrid Meeting - Virtual Option & In-Person in Council Chambers – 4th Floor – City Hall

Members Present:

• Dominique Darmanin-Sturgeon (Co-Chair)
• Charles Gonsalves (Co-Chair)
• Nayan Brahmbhatt
• Satvir Dhaliwal
• Janice Gordon-Daniels
• Carla Green
• Donald Haberer
• Rohail Massy
• Will Davies, Trustee PDSB
• Regional Councillor N. Brar - Wards 2 and 6

Members Absent:

• Shawn Xaviour, Trustee DPCDSB

Staff and Agencies:

• Shane Loftus, Manager, Public Works and Engineering
• Violet Skirten, Supervisor, Crossing Guard, Public Works and Engineering
• Margaret Laramore, Team Lead, Crossing Guard
• Kim Bernard, Team Lead, Crossing Guard Supervisor
• Roberta Van Belkom, Enforcement Officer, Legislative Services
• Nikolai Belyntsev, Enforcement Officer, Legislative Services
• Chandra Urquhart, Legislative Coordinator

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1.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 9:32 a.m. and adjourned at 11:54 a.m.

2.

Approval of Agenda

• SC001-2023

  That the agenda for the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023 be approved, as amended as follows:  

  To add item: 

  11.1. St. Jean Brebeuf Catholic School, 63 Glenforest Road - Ward 7

  Carried

3.

Declarations of Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

Nil

4.

Previous Minutes

4.1

Minutes - Brampton School Traffic Safety Council - September 8, 2022

The minutes were considered by Committee of Council on November 28, 2022, and approved by Council on November 30, 2022.  The minutes were provided for Committee’s information.

5.

Presentations\Delegations

5.1

Presentation re: Brampton School Traffic Safety Council Orientation

Chandra Urquhart, Legislative Coordinator, and Sonya Pacheco, Legislative Coordinator, City Clerk's Office, provided an overview of the procedural matters as they relate to the Committee’s establishment and structure. The following was highlighted:

• Quorum and Meeting Attendance requirements – Members of Council were not included in quorum
• Role and responsibilities of Committee Members include:
  •  conducting site inspections and preparation of site inspection reports  
  •  volunteering on sub-committees

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, provided an overview of the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council, highlighting the following: 

• Role of members regarding site inspections, preparation, completion and submission of site inspection reports
• Role of Traffic Services staff 
• Function of school crossing guards
• Preparation of reports and how to determine the need for crossing guards  
• Gap studies and how they are conducted
• Kiss and Ride program 

In response to questions, the following information was provided:

• Requirement for identification cards and criminal record checks will be discussed with the City Clerk
• Timelines and process to approve and appoint a crossing guard

The following motion was considered: 

• SC002-2023

  That the presentation to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Brampton School Traffic Safety Council Orientation be received. 

  Carried

6.

Committees, Education and Promotions

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, provided the following information:

• Peel Safe and Active Routes to School Committee (PSARTS) was currently working on providing the higher levels of government and school boards with information about PSARTS
• A meeting was being arranged regarding active transportation for the beginning of the next school year 
• Ontario Crossing guard appreciation week was June 5th to 9th
  • Event will be announced at the Committee of Council meeting on June 7, 2023
  • Crossing guards were sent emails to thank them and expresss appreciation
  • Schools were notified of the event
  • Communications staff will be conducting a social media campaign on this next week

7.

Correspondence

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, advised that due to the number of site inspections listed on the agenda, there maybe a need to prioritize site inspections, such as, requests for crossing guards and any items deemed by staff as urgent in nature. 

7.1

Correspondence from Rita Davenport, Principal, re: Request to Review Kiss and Ride Operation, St. Ursula Catholic School, 11 Dwellers Road - Ward 5

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, provided an overview of the request and advised that an inspection was conducted several years ago for this school. She suggested that a site inspection be undertaken to review the issues noted.

The following motion was considered:

• SC003-2023

  1.  That the correspondence from Rita Davenport, Principal, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Request to  Review Kiss and Ride Operation, St. Ursula Catholic School, 11 Dwellers Road - Ward 5 be received; and 

  2.  That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

7.2

Correspondence from Serene Haugh, Brampton Resident, re: Request for a Crossing Guard at intersection of Financial Drive and Olivia Marie Road - Eldorado Public School, 40 Olivia Marie Road, Ward 6 

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, provided an overview of the site inspection request and suggested that an inspection be undertaken, given that development in the area has increased since the previous inspection about four years ago. 

Ms. Skirten responded to comments and questions and advised that at inspections, traffic signal times, traffic flow, number of pedestrians walking and generally all matters relating to safety are considered. She explained that the number of children walking may change at different times of the year and another site inspection may be conducted to determine whether other safety measures are required.

The following motion was considered:

• SC004-2023

  1.  That the correspondence from Serene Haugh, Brampton Resident, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Request for a Crossing Guard at intersection of Financial Drive and Olivia Marie Road - Eldorado Public School, 40 Olivia Marie Road, Ward 6 be received; and

  2.  That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

7.3

Correspondence from Rakeshbhai Maisuria, Brampton Resident, re: Request for a Crossing Guard at Abitibi Lake Drive and Fernforest Drive - Carberry Public School, 12 Growers Crescent - Ward 9

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, suggested that a site inspection be undertaken. 

Committee noted that several inspections have been conducted over the last few years on this school, though unsure whether one was undertaken for the intersection noted.

The following motion was considered:

• SC005-2023

  1.  That correspondence from Rakeshbhai Maisuria, Brampton Resident, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council, re: Request for a Crossing Guard at Abitibi Lake Drive and Fernforest Drive - Carberry Public School, 12 Growers Crescent - Ward 9 be received; and

  2.  That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

7.4

Correspondence from Maria Locicero, Principal, re: Request to Review Park and Ride and Traffic Congestion at the intersection of Brisdale Drive and Sandalwood Parkway - St. Edmund Campion Catholic Secondary School, 275 Brisdale Drive - Ward 5

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, provided an overview of the site inspection request noting that crossing guards are not assigned to secondary schools, however one is present on the opposite leg of the intersection for the junior students crossing. Given the fact that a high school student was injured last year, Ms. Skirten suggested a site inspection be undertaken to assess the flow of traffic and overall safety in the vicinity of the school.

The following motion was considered:

• SC006-2023

  1.  That correspondence from Maria Locicero, Principal, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Request to Review Park and Ride and Traffic Congestion at the intersection of Brisdale Drive and Sandalwood Parkway - St. Edmund Campion Catholic Secondary School, 275 Brisdale Drive - Ward 5 be received; and

  2.  That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

7.5

Correspondence from Nicole Lewis, Brampton Resident, re: Request to Review walking route to school - St Joseph Catholic School, 8 Parkway Avenue - Ward 5

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, provided an overview of the site inspection request and explained that the issue was pertaining to safety of children using a walking route to school.

In response to a question, Ms. Skirten explained that Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR) provides bussing to students based on distance from their home to the school. Parents may contact the STOPR directly for additional information on this matter.

Committee was advised that Items 7.5 and 7.11 were both for the same school. Ms. Skirten noted that the second request was for traffic issues, however both matters will be considered at the time of inspection. 

Item 7.11 was brought forward at this time.

The following motion was considered:

• SC007-2023

  1.  That the correspondence from Daniel Reidy, Principal, and Nicole Lewis, Brampton Resident, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Request to Review Traffic Congestion and Walking Route to School - St Joseph Catholic School, 8 Parkway Avenue - Ward 5 be received; and,

  2.  That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

7.6

Correspondence from Prashanth Panda, Brampton resident, re: Request for a Crossing Guard and Review of Traffic Congestion at the intersection of Mugford Crescent and Edinburgh Road - Whaley's Corner Public School, 140 Howard Stewart Road - Ward 6

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, advised that an inspection was previously conducted for this intersection prior to the gateway at the back of the school being opened. She suggested that a site inspection be undertaken to determine what safety measures may be required.

The following motion was undertaken:

• SC008-2023

  1.  That correspondence from Prashanth Panda, Brampton resident, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Request for a Crossing Guard and Review of Traffic Congestion at the intersection of Mugford Crescent and Edinburgh Road - Whaley's Corner Public School, 140 Howard Stewart Road - Ward 6 be received; and

  2. That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

7.7

Correspondence from Shilpa Mistry, Principal, re: Request to Review Parking Congestion, Parking Issues and Kiss and Ride Operation at Fernforest Public School, 275 Fernforest Drive - Ward 9

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, provided an overview of the site inspection request noting that the school is located in a busy area and the rules of the Kiss and Ride were not being observed resulting in traffic congestion and safety issues in the vicinity of the school. Ms. Skirten suggested that a site inspection be undertaken.

The following motion was considered:

• SC009-2023

  1.  That the correspondence from Shilpa Mistry, Principal, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Request to Review Parking Congestion, Parking Issues and Kiss and Ride Operation at Fernforest Public School, 275 Fernforest Drive - Ward 9 be received; and

  2.  That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

7.8

Correspondence from Kevin Minaker, Manager, Traffic Operations, on behalf of Pte. Buckam Singh Public School, 1975 Williams Parkway, re: Request for a Crossing Guard and Review of Traffic Congestion and Parking Issues - Ward 8

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, provided an overview of the site inspection request and advised that it is a newer school and a site inspection was conducted about two years ago. Increased development in the area has created additional traffic volume resulting in several complaints about unsafe driving activity around the school and undertaking a site inspection will determine whether any additional safety measures were required. 

The following motion was considered:

• SC010-2023

  1.  That the correspondence from Kevin Minaker, Manager, Traffic Operations, on behalf of Pte. Buckam Singh Public School, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council, re: Request for a Crossing Guard and Review of Traffic Congestion and Parking Issues - Ward 8 be received; and

  2.  That a site inspection be undertaken. 

  Carried

7.9

Correspondence from Bonnie Crocker, Brampton Resident, re: Request for a Crossing Guard at Lougheed Middle School, 475 Father Tobin Road, intersection of Sandalwood Parkway and Fernforest Drive - Ward 9

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, advised that crossing guards are not assigned to middle school, however a site inspection was suggested to determine whether other safety measures were required at the intersection. 

The following motion was undertaken:

• SC011-2023

  1.  That correspondence from Bonnie Crocker, Brampton Resident, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Request for a Crossing Guard at Lougheed Middle School, 475 Father Tobin Road, intersection of Sandalwood Parkway and Fernforest Drive - Ward 9 be received; and

  2. That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

7.10

Correspondence from Darcy Forde, STOPR - Student Transportation of Peel Region, re: Request to Review intersection of Queen Street and Creditview Road due to increase walking students - St. Jacinto Marto Catholic School, 40 Fallowfield Road - Ward 5

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, provided an overview of the request and advised that sidewalks have been installed in the area and school buses will be removed in September 2023. Traffic Services staff have already conducted an audit of the intersection to ensure all safety measures are in place and signals are appropriately timed for crossings.

Ms. Skirten suggested a site inspection be undertaken to observe how many kindergarten to grade 5 students will be walking, which will determine whether a crossing guard will be required at the intersection. 

The following motion was considered:

• SC012-2023

  1.  That the correspondence from Darcy Forde, STOPR - Student Transportation of Peel Region, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Request to Review intersection of Queen Street and Creditview Road due to increase walking students - St. Jacinto Marto Catholic School, 40 Fallowfield Road - Ward 5 be received; and

  2. That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

7.11

Correspondence from Daniel Reidy, Principal, re: Request to Review Traffic Congestion on school street - St. Joseph Catholic School, 8 Parkway Avenue, Ward 5

Dealt with under Item 7.5 - Recommendation SC007-2023

7.12

Correspondence from Regional Councillor Paul Vicente, re: Request to Review Traffic Congestion and Crossing Guard requirement at intersection of Lisson Crescent/Jordenson Drive, Springbrook Public School, 145 Jordensen Drive - Ward 5

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, Traffic Services, advised that staff has not been to this school for awhile and suggested that a site inspection be undertaken.

The following motion was considered:

• SC013-2023

  1. That the correspondence from Regional Councillor Paul Vicente, to the Brampton School Traffic Safety Counicl meeting of June 1, 2023, re: Request to Review Traffic Congestion and Crossing Guard requirement at instersection of Lisson Crescent/Jordenson Drive, Springbrook Public School, 145 Jordensen Drive - Ward 5 be received; and

  2. That a site inspection be undertaken.

  Carried

8.

New School Openings

Nil

9.

Changes/Updates to School Boards/Student Population

Nil

10.

Other/New Business

10.1

City Clerk's Office, re: Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council

This item was dealt with following the completion of Item 5.1

At this time, Committee members introduced themselves and provided information regarding their education/ experience/interest in the Committee.

Sonya Pacheco, Legislative Coordinator, explained the election process in accordance with the Terms of Reference, and advised that Committee may select a Chair and Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs, and provided options for the term of the appointment.

There was Committee consensus to appoint Co-Chairs for a one-year term until May 2024.

Ms. Pacheco opened the nominations for Co-Chair.

The following members' names were put forward and they accepted the nomimations for the position of Co-Chairs.

• Dominique Darmanin-Sturgeon
• Charles Gonsalves
• Janice Gordon-Daniels
• Carla Green
• Donald Haberer

There were no further nominations. Ms. Pacheco announced that nominations were closed.

Voting for the selection of Co-Chairs was taken in alpha surname order. There results of the votes were as follows:

• Dominique Darmanin-Sturgeon - 6 
• Charles Gonsalves - 4 
• Janice-Gordon Daniels - 2
• Carla Green - 4
• Donald Haberer - 1

Based on the results of the votes, Ms. Pacheco declared Dominique Darmanin-Sturgeon as the first Co-Chair, and a second round of voting took place for the second Co-Chair.

Voting for the second Co-Chair was taken for Charles Gonsalves and Carla Green. The results were as follows:

• Charles Gonsalves - 5 votes
• Carla Green - 3 votes

Based on the results of the votes, Ms. Pacheco declared Charles Gonsalves as the second Co-Chair.

The following motion was considered: 

• SC014-2023

  That the following members be selected as Co-Chairs of the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council for a one-year period ending May 2024.

  • Dominique Darmanin-Sturgeon
  • Charles Gonsalves
  Carried

  Dominique Darmanin-Sturgeon, Co-Chair, assumed the position of Chair at this time. 

  
  

11.

Site Inspection Report(s)

11.1

St. Jean Brebeuf Catholic School, 63 Glenforest Road - Ward 7

Committee reviewed the observations and recommendations in the site inspection report and considered the following motion:

• SC015-2023

  1. That the site inspection report be received; and,

  2. That, in an effort to encourage Active Transportation to and from school, the Principal contact their designated Peel Health Nurse to participate in the School Travel Plan Program in Peel;  

  3. That the Manager of Traffic Services arrange for:

  • An All-Way Stop signage study on Glenforest Rd. between Grenoble and Central Park Dr.,
  • The pavement markings at the intersection of Griselda Crt. and Glenforest Rd. to be refreshed
  • The installation of “No Stopping” restrictions on both sides of Glenridge Rd. from Glenforest Rd. to the first driveway at houses #28 to #33
  • The placement of “No Stopping” corner restrictions on the north side of Glenforest Rd. at the intersection of Griselda Crt.

  6. That the Principal be requested to encourage and educate the school community on how to cross the street at the intersection of Glenforest Rd and Glenridge Rd.

  7. That a crossing guard is not warranted at the intersection of Glenforest Rd and Glenridge Rd. at this time.

  Carried

12.

Future/Follow-up Site Inspection(s)

Nil

13.

Site Inspection Schedule

Site inspection schedule – June 2023

Eldorado Public School, 40 Olivia Marie Road – Ward 6
Crossing Guard at intersection of Financial Drive/Olivia Marie Road – meet at intersection 
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 - 7:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.  

Carberry Public School, 12 Growers Crescent - Ward 9
Crossing Guard at Abitibi Lake Drive and Fernforest Drive – meet at intersection
Wednesday June 7, 2023 - 8:20 a. m. and 3:10 p.m. 

Whaley's Corner Public School, 140 Howard Stewart Road - Ward 6
Crossing Guard/Traffic Congestion at intersection of Mugford Crescent and Edenborough Road – meet at intersection
Thursday, June 8, 2023 - 8:30 a.m. and 3:20 p.m.

Pte. Buckam Singh Public School, 100 Martin Byrne Drive – Ward 10
Crossing Guard and Review of Traffic Congestion and Parking Issues – meet at school
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - 7:45 a.m. and 2:25 p.m. 

Springbrook Public School, 145 Jordensen Drive - Ward 5
Review Traffic Congestion/Crossing Guard at intersection of Lisson Crescent/Jorderson Drive, meet at intersection
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - 8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. 

Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, suggested that the remaining site inspection requests be listed under future site inspections to be dealt with in September 2023. 

14.

Information Items

Nil

15.

Question Period

Nil

16.

Public Question Period

Nil

17.

Adjournment

The following motion was considered: 

• SC016-2023

  That Brampton School Traffic Safety Council do now adjourn to meet again on September 7, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.  

  Carried