- We don't want you here..... A chorus of groans and boos - it has nothing to do with who is building in our park. We just want the park to stay as is.
- We have hired an architect ..... Sure sounds like the construction is going ahead
- Why not consider surplus schools not in use? .... Many thought this is a viable option, but the Francophone representatives were mum.
- The Francophone School Board has had the land for four years without informing the community..... Groan ... Really? If a business wants to develop a property, don't they need to post signs? Apparently, this is not needed for schools.
- Ward 1 Councillor Ward Sutherland: It is out of the city's control...... More groans
- But we were here first..... A softball rep
I believe that the Francophone school board did nothing wrong, but to wait four years to seek community involvement is completely unacceptable. The land was obtained by some sort of land share agreement between the city and the three school boards. Without residents knowing, the park land we took for granted over 30 years using it for: Timbits soccer, kite flying, movie in the park, community events, sledding, and just pain outdoor fun was zoned as a school building site. Yes - a school building site in a community with two schools already.
In 2016, it is expected that 300-400 students will be bussed into Scenic Acres (with about 10 living in the community). I am surprised that Calgary city council is not angrily opposed to this project since students would be bussed from all over the Northwest.
I think other established communities should contact their Ward councillor, MLA, school boards, or other government officials to get land use policy information and zoning maps. Other green spaces could be lost.
PS Apologies for the lack of pictures, but the kids were keeping busy using the iPad.
