With a large development slated to go up next to John Fisher Junior Public School, residents have expressed concern over the possibility of their children being forced to relocate as construction work takes place.
Parents have voiced concerns that the development near Yonge-Eglinton, which calls for a 35-storey rental apartment building to be built at 18-30 Erskine Avenue, would force students to switch locations throughout the construction process. Vaughan Road Academy has been selected as a possible alternative site for the 500-some students that currently attend John Fisher, but the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) noted a move may not be necessary.
“As of right now, we’re waiting for the results of a Phase 2 risk assessment,” said TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird. “That will look at what the full impact of the development on the school will be and whether it’s safe for students to remain (in John Fisher) or if relocation is necessary.”
He noted that if students were to move to Vaughan Road Academy, bus service would be provided to help with travel.
Bird added that concerns that students may lose French immersion instruction are unfounded.
“If the entire school relocated to a different site, French immersion could continue,” he said. “And obviously if the students were able to stay at John Fisher, it would continue. The only thing we can tell parents is if they withdraw their kids from French immersion, it may not be possible for them to get into a local English school.”
That issue is important as many schools in the area are already above capacity.
Ward 25 councillor Jaye Robinson (Don Valley West) noted she disapproves of the development, but it was unfortunately approved at the Ontario Municipal Board.
“From day one, I have vehemently opposed this development - it's a 35-storey building on a postage stamp-sized lot, essentially on top of an elementary school,” she said in an email.
“The safety of the students of John Fisher PS is my absolute top priority. Over the past few months, I've been working closely with the parent and neighbourhood community to ensure that the highest health and safety standards are in place during construction. However, I, along with the parents of John Fisher students and local neighbours, continue to believe that this building never should have been approved in the first place.”
The councillor has held discussions with both mayor John Tory and Premier Kathleen Wynne on the issue and plans to continue those discussions in the future to discuss the concerns of parents in the area.
Developers KG Group have stated relocation should be unnecessary, but the school board will continue with its risk assessment to ensure students remain safe.
Ryan said the TDSB expects the Phase 2 risk assessment to be completed shortly, at which point parents will be informed whether students will be forced to relocate.
“Obviously, we know parents want this information as quickly as possible, so we’re trying to get (the assessment) done quickly while making sure we do it properly,” he said.
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