Toronto Crossing Guard Information

The OSC will be accepting applications at www.Crossing-Guard.ca.  (Click on “I am in Toronto” to start your application now!) 

Applications for the upcoming school year will be accepted throughout the year. 

Most morning and dismissal shifts are between 1 and 1.5 hours, and on average the lunch shift is approx.. 1.5 to 2 hours.  Locations have either 2 or 3 shifts per day assigned to them and this is determined but the City of Toronto.  Most Guards will be working between 3-5 hours per day.

Please see the information posted on Crossing-Guard.ca

YES!  The OSC has 3 classifications of Crossing Guards: 

1. Regular Crossing Guards: Crossing Guards assigned to a specific intersection and work specifically at that location and all the shifts assigned to it for the duration of the school year. Thus, Regular Crossing Guards must be available Monday to Friday for up to 3 shifts / day. 

1. Relief Crossing Guards: Work an average of 1-3 shifts / week. Scheduled on a bi-weekly basis 

1. Stand By Crossing Guards: A roster of Stand By Crossing Guards who are paid to be “on-call” for last minute coverage. Regardless of whether they are called or not. Stand by guards are required to take the shift if called and will be paid in accordance with the shifts/hours worked.

Answer: YES – everyone will still need to complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check through the OSC, no matter when you completed it before.  The OSC will need this coming from our organization and current in order for you to work with us, as this is required by the City of Toronto. 

If you haven’t already, please email the OSC Office at OSCToronto@ottawasafetycouncil.ca for a copy of the Consent form or visit www.ottawasafetycouncil.ca/toronto to download a copy.   

Please note: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE POLICE STATION at this point, unless otherwise advised. 

Answer: No, the OSC will pay for these costs.  You just have to submit your completed Police Record Check Consent form to the OSC.  Please email the OSC Team at OSCToronto@ottawasafetycouncil.ca to visit www.ottawasafetycouncil.ca/toronto (update) for a copy of the form.  Your completed form will need to be emailed or dropped off to the OSC Toronto. Please email to make arrangements. 

The OSC, as not-for-profit organization and registered charity, only provides medical benefits to full-time, permanent (non-contract, non-seasonal) employees working 30 hrs or more / week.  However, the OSC provides highly competitive shift rates to part-time School Crossing Guards so that they can seek their own extended health care packages should they want to.  Most Crossing Guards will be working on average 3.5 hrs / day, approximately under 20 hrs / week between September to June, annually.

Answer:  The safety of our Crossing Guards is a top concern for the OSC.  Below are some of the key actions that the OSC takes to keep our team safe: 

• Before any guards begin working at an intersection, they must undergo the OSC mandatory and extensive School Crossing Guard Training (10 hrs total, online and on-site training components which go over techniques and protocols to keep you safe) and the Employee Training Manual for on-going reference. This training is paid. 
• Ensuring that all OSC Employees have read and understood the OSC Employee Policies that are designed to keep our team safe while they do their job. 
• The OSC establishes and maintains an active Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) that meets quarterly, as safety is a top concern for the Ottawa Safety Council. 
• The OSC ensures a timely follow up by the OSC Office Staff on any reported incidents. 

• The OSC prioritizes ongoing communications between OSC Office Team, Field Supervisors, and School Crossing Guards to ensure that all have the most up-to-date information and reminders. 
• The OSC regularly conducts awareness campaigns in the community and school zones to educate motorists of the importance of driving safe in school zones, to advocate on behalf of the crossing guards and heed their authority to stop traffic.  
• When brought to our attention, the OSC will advise, consult and assist school faculty around solutions to issues of congestion, dangerous driver behaviour and unsafe pedestrian conditions. 
• The OSC is an active and contributing member of several committees and associations that focus on road safety, including but not limited to the Ontario Traffic Councils Crossing Guard Steering Committee, the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals and  Ontario Active School Travel. 

For our School Crossing Guard Program, we seek candidates who can commit to working with the OSC on a regular basis, for a minimum of 3 shifts / week throughout September to June.  For specifics on the requirements for this position, please visit www.Crossing-Guard.ca for more information. 

Yes.  All new Crossing Guards will need to complete the OSCs Crossing, Guard, Health and Safety and legislated training modules prior to starting their duties for the school year.  This training will be done online, assigned to each Guard and takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete.  All training is paid. 

There will also be a mandatory meeting in August that all returning crossing guards must attend.  This will also be paid. 

All training and mandatory meetings will be paid at the City of Toronto’s fair wage policy rate.

Returning Guards will complete online training modules that include the OSCs Crossing, Guard, Health and Safety and legislated training modules prior to starting their duties.  This training will be done online, assigned to each Guard and takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete.   

All Returning Guards are required to complete a refresher training module online annually as well, prior to the start of each school year, and attend a mandatory meeting in the August.  

New Guards will complete the above, as well as a Welcome Session with the OSC office staff and at least 2 onsite training sessions with a seasoned Guard. 

OSC will issue you Crossing Guard equipment that includes a retroreflective safety vest, handheld stop-sign, ice cleats, rain jacket, employee ID badge/card and an electronic, handheld whistle (for optional use at the discretion of the crossing guard).