A new site plan for a south end Barrie high school should be presented to city council later this month, says the superintendent of facilities at the Simcoe County District School Board.
"It's a work in progress," said John Dance. "We are not looking at changing the location or the functionality of the school.
"Whether it comes close to meeting their concerns ... We will see."
The city unanimously turned down the board's first site plan because of the location of the school building. While the Board located the school to the south of the property, the city is demanding that it be located to the north so that it conforms with the Hewitt's Secondary Plan.
If an agreement is reached this month, Dance said the earliest the school could be opened in September, 2018.
If the two sides can't agree and the city rejects the board's revised plan, then the issue could be decided by the Ontario Municipal Board - a step that would significantly delay construction.
Councillor Mike McCann is growing impatient and questioned city staff at Monday's council meeting.
"This school is so much bigger than just Ward 10," McCann said. "It will affect the whole city."
City staff met with school board staff on Jan. 20 and Feb. 22, but a revised plan has not yet been received.
"It's been four months and we are very eager to find out what the plan is," McCann said.
The school is to be located on Mapleview Drive East at Prince William Way and McCann warned that the new site plan will have to meet "urban design guidelines" for the city to consider approving the building.
"We believe we are going to be in a position to meet their concerns," Dance said.
Students from Hewitts Creek, Hyde Park and Algonquin Ridge elementary schools will attend the new secondary school when it opens.
"Every year that goes by is another year that those students have to wait," Dance said. "Our fingers are crossed. We hope (the new site plan) will get to the city in March and they will look more favourably at it.
"Hopefully we are still on track for September, 2018."
