Site Plan Approved For New Catholic School

Plans for a new Catholic school in north Chatham got a thumbs up at Monday night's council meeting.

Council unanimously approved the St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB)'s application for site plan control for the proposed new school at 801 McNaughton Ave. W in Chatham.

The approval of the site plan control application permits the construction of a 40,795 sq ft, two-storey elementary school and a one-storey child care centre at the location.

Some of the councillors at the meeting voiced concerns about the flow of traffic on McNaughton Ave. after the new school is built. Director of Planning Services Bruce McAllister says a Traffic Impact Study has already been completed and addressed these concerns.

This study identified various improvements and installations that will be required for the proposed school development:

• A new concrete sidewalk be installed along the north side of McNaughton Ave. W from just west of Keil Trail N connecting to the new school site.
• A new pedestrian crossover be installed just east of the new school site.
• A new signalized intersection be installed for McNaughton Ave. W and Keil Dr.

McNaughton Ave. W from Bear Line to Fergie Jenkins will also be upgraded to an urban cross-section, which will include road widening and curb and gutter.

Manager of Infrastructure Services Chris Thibert assured council that the area will also be continually monitored after these plans are carried out.