An Ottawa community is grieving after a beloved crossing guard was killed in Barrhaven on Monday morning, and police have now announced charges against the accused driver.
Peter Clark was struck at approximately 8:20 a.m. on Monday at the intersection of Cedarview Road and Kennevale Drive — a busy crossing in the heart of Barrhaven where he helped children and residents safely navigate the street each school day.
Charges Laid
Ottawa police have confirmed that the accused has been charged with failure to stop after the collision. The charge relates to an alleged failure to remain at the scene following the fatal incident, a serious criminal offence under Canadian law.
Investigations of this nature typically involve multiple agencies and can take time, but police moved to lay charges as the case developed in the days following the collision.
A Community Left Shaken
Crossing guards are among the most visible and trusted figures in any Ottawa neighbourhood. They show up rain, snow, or shine — often long before most people start their day — to make sure kids get to school safely. Peter Clark was one of those people.
For residents living near Cedarview Road and Kennevale Drive, Clark was likely a familiar face, a constant presence who greeted children by name and helped seniors cross without worry. His loss leaves a hole not just in the crossing guard program, but in the fabric of the Barrhaven community itself.
Barrhaven, one of Ottawa's fastest-growing suburban communities, has seen ongoing concerns about road safety, pedestrian crossings, and traffic speeds in recent years. Incidents like this one reignite those conversations and put pressure on city officials and drivers alike to take street safety more seriously.
Road Safety Remains a Concern
Pedestrian safety at school crossings has been a persistent issue in cities across Canada. Crossing guards operate in vulnerable positions — standing in active lanes of traffic, relying on drivers to see them and stop. High-visibility vests and stop paddles are their only protection.
Ottawa's crossing guard program is managed by the city and coordinates with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board to place guards at high-risk intersections near schools. The tragic death of Peter Clark will likely prompt a review of safety protocols and possibly calls for enhanced infrastructure — such as flashing lights, raised crosswalks, or additional signage — at the Cedarview and Kennevale location.
What Comes Next
The accused now faces the legal process following the failure to stop charge. As the investigation continues, additional charges could follow depending on what evidence comes to light.
For now, the Barrhaven community mourns. Peter Clark was doing his job — protecting others — when he lost his life. That deserves to be remembered.
If you have information related to this incident, contact Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
