Совет Хэмилтона единогласно одобрил постройку новой исламской школы при условии выполнения ряда ограничений

Councillors voted unanimously to allow a new Islamic school on Beach Road in Hamilton — but with numerous conditions. In a 10-0 vote Tuesday, councillors approved a zoning bylaw amendment with holding provisions, allowing the private school in Hamilton’s industrial area. Although the decision is to be ratified by council next week, the zoning bylaw change and numerous “holding provisions” — including, but not limited to, transportation, parking, noise and planning studies — are slated to be finalized by council Oct. 7. The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) had applied in March to re-establish historic permissions for the former Lloyd George public school at 360 Beach Rd. to turn it into a 28-classroom private institute serving students from Hamilton and the surrounding areas. Although the proposal had been slated to come before the committee in July, councillors deferred a decision until Tuesday to give MAC time to review concerns about the proposed location of its school. Ward councillor Tammy Hwang said there had been “significant” back and forth between MAC, her office, residents and staff — including an updated proposal and studies. She noted as staff have not had time to look at new submissions from the proponents, the Oct. 7 date and holding provisions allows for further discussions. The 700-student institution is planned for the former George Lloyd Public School in the city’s “I trust that the proponent and the city staff will be able to work out something that works for everyone.” McAnulty Boulevard resident Jane Garneau — who previously submitted a petition against the proposal to the committee — told councillors increased traffic had been a major concern for area residents, including access for emergency vehicles. However, she said MAC has since indicated 75 per cent of the students are from the Hamilton area and 90 per cent of the students will be bused, largely mitigating those concerns. Garneau said the proponents have also pledged to put up signs along the road indicating there is no parking or stopping for school members on Beach Road, and an app to report scofflaws. Additionally, she said, residents have also been assured the site will strictly be an elementary school and there will be the potential for community use of the playground after school hours. “If the neighbourhood can be assured that the city can enforce MAC’s solutions to the problems, I will respectfully withdraw my objection to the rezoning of the property,” she told councillors. In an emailed statement to The Spectator Tuesday, the Muslim Association of Canada said the committee approval is a “major step forward” for the hundreds of Hamilton families waiting for another Islamic school in the city. The association added it has “worked collaboratively” with city staff, council and the community throughout the process and “our experts have submitted comprehensive solutions to every technical concern raised.” “We are confident the remaining matters will be resolved and the holding provision cleared,” the statement said. A previous zoning amendment allowed the building to be developed for commercial use, which includes child care. However, city staff had recommended against the proposal due to its proximity to industrial lands, as well as concerns with air quality and transportation. The city staff report recommending the zoning bylaw amendment and proposal be denied, suggested the school site is too close to steelmaker ArcelorMittal Dofasco and other smaller-scale industrial facilities, and the potential impacts — air quality, noise from road and railway and soil contamination — “have not been appropriately mitigated.” City planner Spencer Skidmore reiterated to councillors that staff recommended denial, but said if council approved the proposal, a preliminary list of holding provisions — including around noise and transportation concerns, air quality monitoring and an environmental easement for noise and vibrations from the adjacent rail yard — would be formulated prior to Oct. 7. James Thomas, a planner retained by Dofasco, said the steelmaker is of the opinion that the proposed land use of the school — adjacent to a large-scale industrial facility — represents “poor planning” and should be denied. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.