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Citizen complaint gets schooled by city hall

Expanded Montessori program receives approval from administration but will council follow suit?
McVicar Montessori
Concerned citizen Neil McVicar (centre) strongly opposed the expansion of a day school in his neighbourhood when he spoke at council on August 24. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday

A proposed zoning amendment to allow an expanded home based Montessori school in Timmins received official endorsement from city administration on Monday but still requires approval from city council.

The matter was previously discussed at a council meeting on August 24th of this year, when a neighbourhood homeowner raised concerns about the impact the expanded school would have in the area.

Detrimental impact on property values, a potential reduction in future interested buyers, parking, safety concerns, increased noise levels and winter maintenance were cited as issues.

The proprietor of La Mosaic school Jennifer Burtch, also attended the meeting in August where she defended her proposal and elaborated on her intentions.

Since then, city officials analyzed the situation and prepared a report which was provided to council and the public.

Mark Jensen, Director of Community and Development Services, explained the report which recommended that council approve the application.

“Planning has made the zoning very restrictive, and when you look at the objections that were filed, those restrictions help address some of the concerns expressed by the objectors” he said.

The school on Maple Street South, near Moneta Avenue currently has five students. The amendment will allow for up to eight students maximum.

“We did receive four pieces of correspondence supporting the application, as well a petition supporting the day nursery as well, in addition to some social media support for the application,” said Jensen.

“Planning feels that the development is reasonable and its compatible with the official plan and meets the intent of the zoning bylaw.”

Councillor Noella Rinaldo asked Jensen about the process for opening home-based businesses in residential areas.

“If another home, say 3 or 4 houses down, wants to open a home-based business they'd have to go through the same process?” asked Rinaldo.

Jensen said that as long as the business complies with their local zoning requirements, there is no approval from the city required.

Burtch stated in her application that her intent was to operate a 'day nursery' and not a 'home-based business.'

Montessori schools are defined as a system of education for young children that seeks to develop natural interests and activities rather than use formal teaching methods. It was developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori in the early 1900s.

Of note, the City of Timmins Engineering Department did not comment on any issues with regards to safety concerns regarding no sidewalks on Maple Street South.

Councillor Pat Bamford, a former educator, made his opinion abundantly clear.

“Quite frankly, we have to put these considerations into relative context. I don't see any compelling reason to deny these folks a school for eight children. Honest to Pete, this is a bit much,” he said.

Bamford feels that he has yet to hear any opposition argument that makes sense. He also does not think that approving the application would necessarily encourage a spike in home-based businesses as they are always scrutinized by council and city administration on an individual basis.

“I'm sure I'm going to get lambasted by a few people on social media, but I guess that's where we're at,” said Bamford.

Mayor Steve Black said he concurred with 'most' of what Bamford said, and agreed that the school could become a real asset to the community.

“I know there was a concern about having a daycare in a residential neighbourhood, but as I went through the list of daycares that we have in existence in the city of Timmins, I haven't found too many that aren't in residential neighbourhoods” said Black.

The matter will be back on the council agenda for voting on December 7.


Andrew Autio, freelance

About the Author: Andrew Autio, freelance

Andrew Autio is a Timmins-based freelance journalist
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