How do I become a school crossing guard in Barrhaven?
To become a school crossing guard in Barrhaven, apply to the Ottawa Safety Council (OSC), which runs the crossing-guard program for the City of Ottawa. It's a paid, part-time job with short morning and afternoon shifts around school bell times — and the OSC is currently recruiting for Half Moon Bay, West Barrhaven and Riverside South. You must be 16 or older and pass a Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector); no experience is needed because training and equipment are provided. Apply online at ottawasafetycouncil.recruitee.com or call 613-238-1513.
Where crossing guards are needed in Barrhaven right now
Nepean MPP Tyler Watt's June 12, 2026 community update relayed an Ottawa Safety Council call for school crossing guards in Riverside South, Half Moon Bay and West Barrhaven — the same shortage the Bugle reported on June 26. A vacant post means children at a busy Barrhaven school crossing may be without a guard, so the OSC recruits locally to fill the gap. Because openings shift through the year, the Ottawa Safety Council careers page always lists the current locations.
Is it a paid job?
Yes. The Ottawa Safety Council describes the role as a paid, part-time position, paid per shift, with training, equipment and ongoing support provided — including the CrossSafe e-learning that prepares new guards for real crossing scenarios. The OSC's own job posting does not publish a flat hourly figure, so check the live posting for the current rate. The reimbursable cost of the required police check is refunded after three months on the job.
What hours do crossing guards work?
Shifts are short — roughly 40 minutes to 2 hours — in a morning slot (about 7:30–9:30 a.m.) and an afternoon slot (about 2:30–4:30 p.m.) that line up with school bell times, Monday to Friday. Guards typically commit to several shifts a week and can work up to two shifts a day. The split-shift schedule is what makes it a good fit for students, retirees, caregivers and others in Barrhaven who keep a school-bell day.
Who can become a crossing guard?
You must be 16 or older and able to pass a Police Records Check with the Vulnerable Sector. Physically, you need to stand for up to two hours, move in and out of the intersection, hold a stop paddle, and see clearly (20/20 with or without corrective lenses), in all weather. A smartphone with a data plan is required for the OSC's reporting. No prior experience is needed — reliability, attentiveness and a commitment to safety matter most.
How to apply
Apply through the Ottawa Safety Council careers portal at ottawasafetycouncil.recruitee.com, where current Ottawa-area crossing-guard postings are listed. You can also reach the OSC by phone at 613-238-1513 or by email at [email protected]. If you live near a Half Moon Bay, West Barrhaven or Riverside South school, mention your neighbourhood — those are the areas flagged as short of guards.