From the Office of the Mayor
Tragic Accident Sparks Corporate Offer to HRM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Friday, January 29/99)-- Mayor Walter Fitzgerald today accepted an invitation from a local marketing and communications company to produce a public education program on pedestrian crosswalk safety.
Mayor Fitzgerald said The CCL Group, of Halifax, has graciously offered to research, produce and promote the public education/school program on a pro bono basis-- that is, at no cost to the municipality.
Earlier this week, the Mayor issued a public statement urging both pedestrians and motorists to exercise extreme caution when using, or approaching, pedestrian crosswalks. His comments followed news reports of a fatal traffic accident on Monday at a crosswalk on Robie Street, which claimed the life of 15-year-old Halifax high school student Paul Levy.
Steve Parker, Chairman of The CCL Group, said "The employees of The CCL Group believe crosswalk safety is an extremely important issue to our community. If our involvement can lead to safer streets for all citizens of HRM, we are only too happy to take a leadership role."
Mayor Fitzgerald said " I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of public sympathy and concern over this tragic accident which claimed the life of one of our high school students.
"I am pleased to accept this very generous offer by one of our leading corporate citizens to focus further attention on this very important safety issue. The CCL Group and its employees are to be applauded for their personal compassion and their willingness to make such a valuable contribution to the entire community," he said.
The Mayor said The CCL Group initiative will augment traffic safety programs already in place now and offered in schools by the Halifax Regional Police.
The CCL Group will partner with HRM agencies, such as Halifax Regional Police and the Traffic Authority, to develop an awareness campaign for crosswalk safety, which may include elements such as television ads, school videos and posters.
Mr. Parker said " We welcome the assistance of other members of the corporate sector to support this important community initiative."
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Contact:
| Mayor Walter Fitzgerald (902) 490-4010 |
Steve Parker (902) 493-3136 (o) (902) 477-2410 (h) |
