The lack of an identified future school site in the North End Plan (NEP) is a concern for 麻豆精选 Councillor Loyal Wooldridge.
Council endorsed the final NEP at its Monday (Mar. 17) meeting. Wooldridge asked staff what parameters should be considered when choosing a potential site.
鈥淚t鈥檚 crucial when it comes to transportation planning, for example, that a school site is well serviced,鈥� he added. 鈥淎nd I think that by the time it鈥檚 on the province鈥檚 radar, land might be sold and not available.鈥�
Despite several discussions between city staff and School District 23, no specific location has yet been identified. At Monday鈥檚 meeting, staff said further options are being explored with the district and other partners.
Mayor Tom Dyas thanked staff for revising part of the plan that would have impacted Manhattan Point. 鈥淚 think that was a good decision and good for the community with regards to access to Manhattan Point."
In May 2024, council decided against designating some properties on Manhattan Point as future parkland after a staff report identified several lots for potential parkland designation in the NEP. Staff engaged with property owners and the public following concerns about property rights, land values, privacy, security, and environmental impacts.
Rather than designating specific properties, council decided to explore opportunities to acquire properties for park development as they become available.
The NEP envisions parks, transportation and infrastructure improvements, various types of housing, and retail and commercial opportunities that will add approximately 5,000 new dwelling units and 10,000 new residents. Manhattan Point would remain primarily low-density residential.
The NEP will be available for feedback during a public hearing scheduled for April 8.
