This study officially concluded on November 25, 2013

Schools Involved:

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November 27, 2013

At the November 25, 2013, Board Meeting Trustees received and approved the Minutes of the November 18, 2013 Committee of the Whole Meeting, ratifying the approval of the recommendations of the Elmira Boundary Study.  Click here to read the highlights of the meeting.

November 19, 2013

At the November 18, 2013, Committee of the Whole Meeting Trustees approved the following recommendations:  Minutes from the Meeting are available here

That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve the construction of a 557 pupil place replacement Riverside Public School on a site to be purchased by the Board within the Draft Approved Plans of Subdivision known as 30T-07702 and 30T-07703 (‘Lunor’), tentatively scheduled to open September 2016, pending Ministry of Education approval and funding; and

That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve a change in the school organizations of Riverside and John Mahood Public Schools from JK-5 to JK-6 upon the completion and occupancy of the replacement of Riverside Public School; and

That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve a change in the school organization of Park Manor Public School from 6-8 to 7-8 upon the completion and occupancy of the replacement Riverside Public School; and

That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve the construction of a 138 pupil place addition to John Mahood Public School, pending Ministry of Education approval and funding; and

That the Waterloo Region District School Board designate the Draft Approved Plans of Subdivision known as 30T-07702 and 30T-07703 (‘Lunor’) as a “development area” allowing staff to assign each registered phase of development to a school that has space to accommodate the projected enrolment until a permanent solution can be established; and

That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve a ‘grand-parenting’ provision allowing students from the ‘development area’ in grade 6 the choice to remain at their holding school or attend their home school for the year the replacement Riverside Public School opens.

November 15, 2013

At the November 18, 2013, Committee of the Whole Meeting Trustees will receive and consider the Elmira Boundary Study Report and Recommendations

Background

At the Committee of the Whole meeting of the Waterloo Region District School Board on Monday May 14, 2012, Trustees voted in favour of the commencement of a boundary study of John Mahood, Park Manor and Riverside Public Schools to be called the Elmira Boundary Study.

Elmira has been designated as one of the township urban growth areas in the Region of Waterloo’s Official Plan. Enrolment in the area has increased by 37 percent over the past 10 years. A new plan of subdivision located at 90, 122 and 128 Church Street West, Elmira will soon be registered. The Board has negotiated an elementary school site in this plan of subdivision, which currently falls within the Riverside P.S. boundary and fronts onto the same street that fronts Riverside P.S. At full build out, this development could add up to 950 dwelling units to that boundary.

Riverside P.S. currently has limited built capacity and is located on a small site (3.62 acres) with a 5-classroom porta-pack wing. Given the impracticality of accommodating Full-Day Kindergarten at the school, these factors lend support to a new replacement facility within its boundary to house the current population as well as growth from the new development. Therefore, pending Ministry of Education approval and funding, a replacement Riverside P.S. facility is proposed for the new 6.83 acre site on William Street in Elmira.

Initial Boundary Study Goals

A boundary study will examine potential opportunities created by the construction of a new Riverside P.S.  The issues to be examined in this area include:

  • Grade configuration of the Riverside P.S. rebuild
  • French Immersion program implications
  • Boundaries to balance enrolment and capacity
  • Accommodation of the Full-Day Kindergarten program

2012/13 Boundaries

The following maps demonstrate the study area as well as the current school attendance boundaries:

Public Meeting Announcements, Presentations & Minutes

Working Group Meeting Agendas, Presentations & Minutes

Working group meetings are not public meetings. Non-members may attend provided they are invited to do so.

Minutes and presentations of the Working Group meetings will be posted on this website after they receive approval at the following Working Group meeting (typically 2-3 weeks).  Thank you for your patience.

How you can stay informed

  • Bookmark this website and check back regularly for updates
  • Attend public meetings
  • Speak to your school’s representatives on the Working Group
  • Email your Trustees
  • Contact WRDSB Planning staff
    • Email: (please indicate Elmira in the subject line)
    • Phone: 519-570-0003 ext. 4419
    • Fax: 519-570-2172
    • Mail: 51 Ardelt Ave, Kitchener, ON N2C 2R5 (attn: Planning Department)
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