Barrie's newest secondary school could be ready for students in September, 2019.
As long as approvals continue as expected, shovels could be in the grould at the site located at Mapleview Drive and Prince William Way next spring - and the process to build a high school is a two year project.
After rejecting the school board's site plan about 18 months ago, the city of Barrie had a change of heart and reversed the decision recently, allowing the construction to begin.
"Site plan approval was a critical step that we’ve been working to achieve for over a year-and-a-half," Simcoe County District School Board superintendent of facilities John Dance wrote in a letter that was sent to parents of students in the new school's attendance area. "We’re thrilled about this milestone, but there is still a lot of work to do before we can start construction."
A major step is to finalize the site plan conditions with the city, he added.
"Our architect can then move ahead with working drawings, which are needed before we can get final approval from the Ministry of Education and issue a tender to find a contractor."
The board must now work with city staff to obtain permits and negotiate services, such as roadways and other infrastructure, for the property.
"Our manager of planning met with planning staff from the city last week. The work will continue over the summer," Dance wrote.
An OMB hearing is scheduled for November. The board requested the hearing to deal with the initial site plan rejection, arguing that the school should be located on the south part of the property. City planning and design regulations require the building to be situated on the north part of the site, fronting on Mapleview Drive.
Dance says the hearing may still be necessary, if additional hurdles are put up by the city. The board will not rescind the appeal until a building permit is issued for the school.
