Municipal officials seem in favour of a new parochial school in southwest Mapleton, but have deferred the matter until concerns of the Grand River Conservation Authority can be addressed.
The Old Order Mennonite Conference has proposed a two-room parochial school for about 40 students on County Road 86, between Sideroad 15 and County Road 10, on a 100 acre property currently owned by Stephen Bowman.
County planner Mark Van Patter said no commenting agencies are really opposed to the proposal; it’s just that the GRCA is concerned the school may be located too close to the Baisler municipal drain, for which the extent of the flood plain is unknown.
“They suggest deferral for now,” Van Patter told council of the GRCA’s stance.
He said he is unsure how long it would take the authority to get back to council, but said it is best to wait because the building plans may change based on the GRCA’s feedback.
Van Patter also noted the school would not meet the required setback from the manure storage and barn on neighbour David Martin’s property.
However, given that Martin is the applicant and the school children will be familiar with farm animals, Van Patter said he doesn’t see a problem with providing relief from the MDS requirements.
Councillor Dennis Craven asked if a future owner of the Martin farm would be restricted from expanding because of the school. Van Patter said yes, but it would not be a huge restriction – and the owner could expand in the other direction without a problem.
Council voted unanimously to defer the zoning bylaw amendment until it hears back from the GRCA.
