Kitchener council approves new Catholic school
Posted Jan 26, 2024 06:05:03 AM.
Last Updated Jan 26, 2024 06:05:07 AM.
Kitchener City Council has approved a new Catholic school in the area of Fairway Road and Woolner Trail.
The school will be located at 20 Woolner Trail at the site of a former gravel pit. It is expected to house around 1,400 students from Grades 7 to 12.
The decision comes following a delay in the vote after concerns over student and traffic safety.
Ward 2 Councillor Dave Schnider said he is “extremely happy” with all parties, including the region, the City of Kitchener and the Waterloo Catholic School Board, coming together to help address concerns with the project.
“There have been a lot of innovative solutions and a real strong desire to make this happen,” said Schnider.
“Did we get everything we wanted ahead of time? No. Do I believe there is a spirit for resolution of this? I absolutely do.”
Some of the changes made to the plans include reducing the speed on Fairway Road in front of the school to 40km/hr, a crossing guard at the Fairway Road and Woolner Trail roundabout and a school zone student drop-off zone.
But some residents in the area are still not happy with the plan. One resident, Gary Minter, said he was “extremely disappointed” with the proposal and has concerns for student safety and traffic.
“The bottom line, and in our humble opinion, the review, analysis and recommendations of staff regarding these two significant matters are willfully inadequate,” said Minter.
The new school is expected to open in September 2026.
