The Upper Grand District School Board is flagging concerns about the impacts of recent changes to what is allowable on city property.
On Oct. 24, UGDSB chair Ralf Mesenbrink sent a letter to Mayor Cam Guthrie and city council, noting for “decades, the residents of Guelph have benefitted from the co-location of school board’s properties and city parks,” including large green spaces “available to residents outside of school hours.”
It goes on to say concerns have been raised by parents and residents recently regarding changes to what is allowable on city property, and the impact those changes may have on UGDSB properties.
“As you know, school boards and municipalities are governed by different legislation that does not always anticipate abutting properties.”
It ends with Mesenbrink encouraging consultation between the city and the board to work together “to continue to provide these valued spaces for our residents.”
While the letter doesn’t indicate the particular changes it refers to, the most recent change to what is allowable on city property is the public space use bylaw.
The letter was something Mesenbrink wrote as an invitation for communication to the City of Guelph council to consult with the school board if there were to be any further decisions, discussions or changes on this, said Mesenbrink, in an interview with GuelphToday.
This letter was prompted by a letter that was sent to the City of Guelph with him cc'd in it. The letter had concerns about potential locations of encampments, said Mesenbrink.
“I would just hope that if any other bylaws such as that is brought forward, or any other changes, that we keep each other informed and consult and work together to make sure those spaces are available for people, and that communication continues,” said Mesenbrink.
He couldn’t comment on what discussions may have happened between UGDSB staff. “I know that as trustees, there were no conversations,” he said.
