To help keep pedestrians safe, as of Jan 1st 2016, all vehicles (including bicycles) must “stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a crossing guard.” The Ontario Ministry of Transportation states that this rule does not apply to crosswalks at intersections, unless a crossing guard is present. This change resulted from a 2012 report on pedestrian deaths, identifying them as the most vulnerable road users.

Under provincial legislation drivers can be fined for failing to follow rules that apply to pedestrian crossings (fines are doubled in Community Safety Zones such as schools). In addition, there are three new types of crossovers to keep an eye out for – they can be found here: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/pedestrian-safety.shtml

The new rule described above explicitly leaves out intersection crosswalks without crossing guards. As a regular pedestrian and occasional driver I feel very strongly that drivers and pedestrians should ensure they are fulfilling their responsibilities at intersections and stop signs- and should also be prepared for those who fail to do so.
The Ministry advises that drivers should be watching for pedestrians [at all intersections], and being extra careful and patient when children or seniors are crossing. I would like to add that drivers should be aware of cyclists at all times- especially those who may irresponsibly use a pedestrian crosswalk. The Ministry also advises pedestrians to make eye-contact with drivers, cross only at appropriate pedestrian crossings, and to watch for cars turning at intersections or driveways. Additional, I think it’s important to add that pedestrians should pay careful attention when crossing at T-intersections, “short” intersection lights, and busy roads, as many drivers’ focus may be on making it through a green light in those scenarios.

For more information on how these rules apply to the City of Guelph, and for a complete list of crossing guard locations and times, visit: http://guelph.ca/living/getting-around/walk/crossing-guards/