Cornwall Celebrates Rose Durley’s 50 Years as a Crossing Guard

On December 3, 2025, the city of Cornwall, Ontario, paid tribute to Rose Durley for her remarkable dedication as a crossing guard. For half a century, Durley has been a familiar sight at the intersection of Sydney and Third Streets, ensuring the safety of children and pedestrians. During a ceremony attended by family, friends, and city officials, Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale unveiled a bench and plaque in her honor.

In an interview with CBC’s Ottawa Morning prior to the ceremony, Durley reflected on her lengthy service with a touch of humor. “Isn’t that awful — half a century, eh?” she quipped, highlighting the significance of her milestone. The city formally recognized her efforts, stating, “Thank you, Rose, for 50 years of helping children and pedestrians cross safely!”

A Life Dedicated to Service

Durley, who often wipes away tears when discussing her role, expressed that she is not one for excessive attention. She initially took the job to support herself following the death of her husband, but it has since become an integral part of her life. “It gets me up, gets me out,” she noted, emphasizing the benefits of fresh air and exercise that her position provides.

Over the decades, Durley has engaged with the local community, helping children from seven schools cross the street safely. While she may not know every child’s name, she has certainly made a lasting impression. “They all know me,” she said. “They always stop and talk to me and it’s great.”

Durley’s commitment has remained strong, with her only temporary absence from work occurring years ago when she underwent treatment for an aneurysm. “They had to ship me up from Cornville to Ottawa for that,” she recalled. “I recovered and made it back to the corner.”

Looking Ahead

As she reflects on her decades of service, Durley is not ready to retire. “Maybe another year,” she mentioned, adding that she prefers to remain active rather than sitting at home. Her story is a testament to the impact that one dedicated individual can have on a community, and her legacy will surely resonate for years to come.

Durley’s journey as a crossing guard highlights the importance of community safety and engagement, and her presence will continue to be felt at the busy intersection of Sydney and Third Streets.