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DEPUTATION REGARDING MOTION 16-G-148, SOUTH BARRIE SECONDARY SCHOOL - 225 PRINCE WILLIAM WAY - SITE PLAN APPROVAL - SECOND SUBMISSION (WARD 10)
Mr. Ben Browne provided a deputation in objection to motion 16-G-148, South Barrie Secondary School - 225 Prince William Way - Site Plan Approval - Second Submission. Mr. Browne discussed lessons that parents teach children, including to respect authority and the rules and directions set out by those people with authority. He commented that the Simcoe County District School Board felt that the rules and policies did not apply to them and they continued to push until they achieved the outcome they wanted. Mr. Browne advised that he felt that the character traits that are instilled in students have not been practiced at the School Board and that the School Board is also failing to display traits of leadership by disregarding clear policies and guidelines for their own personal agenda and motives. He provided observations that the bullying and slandering by the School Board towards City Council in the media and the public and how they have guilted City Council into getting what they wanted.
Mr. Browne stated that he believed that City Council should not reward bad behavior by approving the site plan for the school, and noted that 18 months of construction time has already been wasted. He discussed the his view of the situation over the past 18 months stating that the School Board felt their option is the best for the students, while not adhering to the policy guidelines of the City. He commented that if the City approves the site plan application by the School Board, it would set a precedent and possibly impact development for years to come, including other developers not adhering to policies, potential costs associated with OMB hearings and the difficult position of what development follows established guidelines and what does not. He requested that City Council reconsider its decision and review the implications on future and past developments.
Mr. Browne reiterated his comments on the example City Council is setting for students by approving the proposed site plan, including that permitting the disregard of authority and rules, will get what you want. He discussed the impact on students on when an authority is not obeyed, observing that the City is an authority. Mr. Browne discussed that the City is weighing decisions over the developement and not over the expectation that the School Board abide by policy. He reiterated the inappropriate behavior of the School Board and its disregard of established policies and the airing its dissatisfaction to the media and public.
In closing, Mr. Browne commented that the School Board should be accountable for their behaviour and requested that the application be denied once again, as it violates established urban design guidelines.
Members of Council asked questions of Mr. Browne and received responses.