The Simcoe County District School Board will re-evaluate their options for a new high school in Barrie’s south end on Wednesday night.

The school is stuck in a current stalemate between the City of Barrie and the board, as both sides dispute over where it should be built.

The board purchased a 23 acre property near the intersection of Mapleview Drive and Prince William Way, with the intention of building the school away from the intersection due to cost and safety. However, the city wants the school built on Mapleview Drive.

"We want it at the south end because we've done our analysis, and we believe it's the best location for the school to be on,” says John Dance, superintendent of facility services.

Due to the conflict over the location, the school’s site plan was denied by city councillors.

"Safety obviously is the City of Barrie's primary concern,” says Ward 10 councillor Mike McCann. “We went to the chief of police and asked if the school was on the north end or if the school was on the south end, which was safer? And you know what she said? Either or, didn't matter."

The city has since voted in favour of bringing a mediator in to help the two sides come to an agreement.

The board will consider the city’s offer, along with a number of other options at the business and facilities standing committee meeting on Wednesday night.

Another option for the SCDSB is to seek an appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board. The OMB is the body that handles site plan disputes at a costly expense.

Alternatively, the board could submit a revised site plan to the city, which would see an additional building erected at the corner of Mapleview and Prince William. The building could contain a south Barrie learning centre or newcomer welcome centre.

Other options include:

  • Looking for a new site outside the City of Barrie.
  • Keep the lot vacant for now and use it for a future development.
  • Use approved capital money to add extensions to Nantyr Shores Secondary School.
  • The redistribution of students to other secondary schools, including Nantyr and Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School.

The board will discuss these options and could make a decision on how proceed. The meeting is scheduled to take place Wednesday at 6 p.m.