The Catholic school board would rather have a school built in the new Jensen Lakes neighbourhood than at their existing, grandfathered site in Oakmont.
Brendan Kaup with the Greater St. Albert Catholic School Board of Trustees spoke before city council on Monday as council discussed approving a rezoning of a portion of the Lakes’ land.
Among other things, the changes were to make about 5.5 acres of Jensen Lakes available for a potential 900-student, K-9 public school.
“Simply said, we are interested in council assuring that the Jensen Lakes school reserve allocation could be potentially large enough to accommodate both school boards,” said Kaup.
Kaup said the Oakmont site doesn’t “necessarily meet the needs of both systems,” as it’s too close to other schools in their district, and public schools in the area.
The board hopes to locate new Catholic schools, such as a 400-student, K-6 school, in areas where the community grows, he said.
Asked by Coun. Cathy Heron whether both schools could fit on the Lakes’ site, administration responded that council could still make changes to the land use after approving those before them that night.
“By approving this, this evening, it doesn’t preclude council from later on making some changes,” said Carol Bergum, director of planning and development.
Jensen Lakes, a new neighbourhood located north of Villeneuve Road and northwest of Walmart, is expected to feature a mix of residential housing and some commercial and institutional development.
On Monday, council approved the rezoning of two portions of land in Jensen Lakes. The two sites, located in the north and east near the Walmart commercial site, were originally designated as an urban reserve.
They can now be used for building single and semi-detached housing, street front townhouses, a storm-water pond, a park and the school site.
