Waterloo mother launches petition over speeding concerns near school zone

CTV’s Hannah Schmidt talks to a mother who says she was involved in an collision outside of an elementary school in Waterloo.

A Waterloo mother is calling for stronger traffic safety measures at what she describes as a busy school-zone intersection in Waterloo.

Melanie Ainsworth said she was picking up her children from Sir Edgar Bauer Catholic Elementary School in April when her vehicle was hit by another one right down the street at the intersection of Glen Manor Boulevard and Glen Forrest Boulevard.

“There was a car parked here right at the intersection,” she said, pointing to an area of the intersection. “[It] kind of blocks your vision. I was just slightly in the intersection, and I got hit by a vehicle. I’m so thankful that it was my car and not a child that got hit.”

Following the incident, Ainsworth launched an online petition calling for flashing crossing lights, improved signage and additional traffic-calming measures in the area.

“It really needs to get attention brought to it before something happens... even have crosswalk signs here to let parents and pedestrians know that it’s safe to cross and that hopefully cars slow down to realize that children are crossing in both directions.”

The City of Waterloo said the broader school zone had already been identified as an area of concern through a 2025 road safety review. According to the city, speed data collected in the area showed average vehicle speeds around 43 km/h, despite the posted 30 km/h limit.

There were also plans to put a speed camera in the area before the province banned them.

“So, we need to look at alternative measures to slow down vehicles, especially in school zones where children are important to us,” said Bob Henderson, director of transportation services.

He said temporary speed humps are expected to be installed within weeks, with permanent traffic-calming infrastructure planned for 2027.

Four other school zones in Waterloo are also getting traffic-calming features.

“[Speed humps are] one of the best solutions to help mitigate driver speeds. The city’s got an action plan to implement speed control measures, such as speed humps, in school zones throughout the city,” Henderson explained.

While some residents are pushing for flashing crossing signals at the intersection, Henderson said city analysis conducted in 2024 determined traffic signals were not warranted.

“Traffic signals are not a very good measure for slowing down vehicles. In fact, our research and investigation into it has indicated that speeds will go up... drivers start relying on the signals to do the thinking for them. When intersections are unsignalized, drivers take more responsibility and, appropriately, enter intersections when it’s safe to do so.”

The city said a crossing guard is already stationed near the school during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times.

Ainsworth said she plans to bring her petition to council as she continues pushing for stronger temporary and permanent safety measures near the school.