Rendering of new west end Moncton school (Provided by City of Moncton)
Pedestrian safety is a big concern as planning continues for a new K-8 anglophone school in west end Moncton which will be built next to Bernice MacNaughton High School.
In a monthly meeting on Wednesday night, the city’s planning advisory committee (PAC) heard that new turning lanes and a new pedestrian crossing on St. George Boulevard will be needed and eventually more traffic lights.
Moncton urban planner Josh Adams says the provincial government’s plans do not favour the city’s municipal plan which includes schools that are walkable for students.
“This is kind of an acknowledgment that we’re moving from a walkable location to a more car-dependent location. And so that’s going to obviously have implications as far as the traffic goes because it means that the majority of the students will now be either driven or bussed to the new school,” noted Adams.
Estimates suggest only about 10 percent of students will be able to walk or bike to the new school.
The PAC also heard from residents who brought up issues such as noise pollution from the school and the safety of Bernice MacNaughton students and staff as construction occurs.
Moncton resident Erik Gingles said he and many neighbours are also concerned about clear cutting in the area.
“I’ve had a number of seniors who were living there – who are quite elderly – and they’re almost in tears that this is happening and that they’re going to see the school because once the leaves are down, there’s a clear view and it’s very upsetting for them,” Gingles told the committee.
PAC members were also asked to approve or deny the province’s conditional use application to permit an educational use (K-8 School) in the P-1 community use zone and to permit more than one main building on a lot along with two variances to reduce the minimum width of parking stalls from 2.75 metres to 2.5 metres and to not provide landscaping in the interior of the parking area.
PAC member Myles Malley wondered why the committee was even asked to consider these items since the province has the power to override a city decision.
“They’ve already gone and clear cut the land. Why bother asking us whether or not parking spaces can be smaller or whether or not they have to landscape a piece of grass? It just seems a little condescending to be honest with you,” Malley added.
The new school which replaces Bessborough and Hillcrest Schools is expected to open for the 2024-25 school year.
