(BlackburnNews.com file photo by Aaron Hall)(BlackburnNews.com file photo by Aaron Hall)
Chatham

Board Approves Location For New Elementary School

The St. Clair Catholic District School Board has approved the location of a new Catholic elementary school for north Chatham.

During a meeting on Tuesday, the board voted to build the school at 801 McNaughton Ave. W, across from St. Clair College’s Thames Campus. The property has been owned by the school board since the 1990s.

“We believe this is a tremendous location for our new Chatham elementary school,” says Director of Education Dan Parr.

Some trustees voted against the location expressing concerns about traffic in the area. However, the board will be conducting a traffic study and will be working with the municipality to ensure traffic congestion isn't an issue.

“We are confident that the board and the municipality can work with the findings of the traffic study and put in place measures that will address concerns related to traffic flow and pedestrian safety,” says Amy Janssens, executive superintendent of corporate services.

Parr says close proximity to the college and to the new Children’s Treatment Centre will be provide valuable possibilities for the school, and for students.

The board says the location would make it easier for students with special needs to use the Children’s Treatment Centre's adapted pool and outdoor learning spaces.  Being close to the Thames Campus will also allow students to participate in a number programs offered by the college.  The location is also across from a soccer pitch and baseball fields.

The board intends to open the new school in September of 2019.

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