by Geoff Baskwill
A delegation from the Almonte & District High School Transition Committee presented at the Town Planning Committee meeting last night, Tuesday January 24th. Attending in support of the proposal were: Anne McRae, Trustee; Susan Edwards, Superintendent; Laurie McCabe, Principal ADHS; Krista Warren, Vice-Principal ADHS; Gail Brant-Terry, Principal Naismith Memorial Public School; Paul Leroy, Vice-Principal Naismith Memorial Public School; Ron Ferguson, Principal Pakenham Public School; Sandy Irvin, parent and Transition Committee member; Joy Stratford, neighbour; Patricia Gervais, parent ADHS/Naismith; and Bruce McRae, community member.
The speaker outlined a proposal to close the part of Stephen Street between the school and the track, creating a safe gathering and recreation area. This area would be open to all students but is especially needed for the almost 200 Grade 7 and 8 students who are expected to arrive at ADHS in September.
The mayor and councillors responded with thoughtful questions about emergency access, snow removal, maintenance access to underground services, and effects on traffic in the area. Some councillors also provided helpful ideas for refining the proposal to better accommodate these concerns.
The delegation was invited to return with an updated proposal.
Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Town website.
Geoff Baskwill was on the delegation and did the presentation to the Planning Committee. He is a parent of students at Naismith Memorial Public School and Almonte & District High School as well as School Council chair, Almonte & District High School and a member of the Almonte & District High School Transition Committee.
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