The CSPO is up a creek with the proposed Jardins Lavigne school 

 

Laurent Robillard-Cardinal

The construction of the elementary school in the Jardins Lavigne neighbourhood has taken an unexpected turn. This fall, the Commission scolaire des Portages-de-l'Outaouais (CSPO) and Gatineau uncovered a creek when they visited the lot where the school is to be built. “We obtained the ministerial funding for the school this past spring and we had identified a lot in Jardins Lavigne. However, we must obtain an environmental evaluation before going forward,” said Johanne Légaré, CSPO president. “We already selected the professionals, the architects, engineers, but because a creek was identified we need the Ministry’s [of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks] (MSDEP) approval before drawing the plans and specifications. If the creek is too big of an issue we will need to look for another lot.” Before the school board can start building, it needs to obtain a construction permit and acquire the lot from the city, but Gatineau must obtain the evaluation assessment from the MSDEP before that can happen. When contacted by the Bulletin the MSDEP had not received a request to evaluate the lot. 

 

If the MSDEP deems the lot, owned by the city, unfit for construction the CSPO will be forced to move back a few squares. “It’s the most strategic lot. It will encourage children to walk to school. If it doesn’t work then we will need to go elsewhere, but there are not many lots available in that neighbourhood. I’ve been looking for another one the past two years and I haven’t found one,” said Mario Crévier, CSPO school trustee. The lack of space is the result of poor urban planning. “Today, we have a better approach with the city, we think of the school first when building a new neighbourhood, such as is the case with Connaught.”

 

Regardless of the assessment's outcome the creek’s discovery has stalled the CSPO. “Yes, we are slightly delayed because of the environmental assessment, but they are common. We needed to make one for the school in Connaught. I can only hope the MSDEP will proceed quickly. It will likely delay us several months, but once we get the green light we hope to launch the call for tenders in June,” said Légaré. “It’s not to our advantage to delay the school’s construction.” The school is projected to open by September 2016. The CSPO needs this school as it continues juggling with student surplus, a situation creating headaches for families, something the Pontiac MNA wants to avoid in the future. “In the future it would be important to have a better coordination between the provincial government and the school boards to ensure demands are well understood by everyone. The goal here is to minimize the impact on children,” said André Fortin. “We had received a request from the CSPO to build a school in North Aylmer and there’s clearly a need,” said André Fortin, Pontiac MNA. “Seeing the strong growth in the community the province responded favourably. The school to open in 2015 [in Connaught] will help absorb part of student surplus but it will not suffice.” The Pontiac MNA said he will ensure the assessment is completed as fast as possible. “Assessments are for the good of the population. I can understand however that a potential delay can be frustrating for parents,” added Fortin. 

 

A Gatineau spokesperson told the Bulletin that the city is collaborating with the CSPO to complete the required assessments to allow the completion of this project. However, no assessment can start until after the snow melts. “No final decision is expected before summer 2015,” added the spokesperson.

 

The CSPO is also pressuring the Ministry of Education to expand the school in Luskville, l'école Notre-Dame-de-la-Joie and l’école des Deux-Ruisseaux in the Plateau. “These projects are on CSPO property therefore it should be faster than building a new school,” said Légaré. It is looking promising for the CSPO.“The expansion of l'école Notre-Dame de la Joie is a priority. The school is full and needs to quickly expand. It’s clear with our numbers and our projections. The ministry will evaluate the request in the next round of funding,” added Fortin.