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Community divided down the middle over proposal continued from p.1 compared to ownership; lease length; heritage protection; enrolment capping; school expansion limits; hours of operation; noise control; residential uses and more. Council unanimously agreed to the plan -- ending a debate that dragged out for two council meetings and saw more than 20 delegations speak this week. Boys' school proponent Amber Way said such a school fills a need in the community. Way said it would draw families to Oakville, provide long- and short-term employment, generate revenue for the Town, support charity initiatives and save a heritage school site for its intended use, among other things. Many who spoke against the plan said they had no problem with a boys' school, but said the location was wrong. Linbrook Road is already home to St. Mildred'sLightbourn School for girls and several residents said the traffic on that road is so bad that at times they can't get out of their driveways. Way countered many of the boys who would attend Linbrook, would have sisters attending St. Mildred's so there would be no significant traffic increase. She also pointed out she had spent $7,000 to hire consultants to do a traffic study, which found traffic flow through the area is now operating at a good level with surplus capacity available. That report stated there would still be surplus capacity even if traffic increased in future and a boys' school were built. Other residents, including do-it-yourself television personality Bryan Baeumler, pointed out that when Linbrook Public School was operational, it served 400 students. The proposed enrollment at the boys' school would only be 180 students. "If you move into a neighbourhood where there is a school, whether it be 40 years ago or not, you have to expect there will be traffic there," said Baeumler. "So any arguments about traffic, I almost have to dismiss those. It's like moving beside an airport and complaining about the airport noise. You know it is there." Others claimed the school may look to increase enrolment and size once it is in place. Throughout the debate, each side claimed they had the support of the majority of the community. Chartwell Maple Grove Residents Association president Daniela Morawetz noted in a survey conducted in the immediate area, 33 respondents said they favoured the boys' school while 32 respondents said they were against it. "We are a neighbourhood divided, almost right down the middle," said Morawetz. "Our board has had extensive discussions on this and the recommendation was we will not recommend or stand for one option or the other. The neighbourhood is divided and so are we. We will leave it to council to decide." Ultimately, many on council decided traffic concern was not a great enough reason to prevent a school from taking root particularly because many residents said traffic would only be an issue twice a day. They also noted provisions could be put in place to keep the school's enrolment at the promised level. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, who voted against the school at the Administrative Service Committee, had a change of heart and voted in favour of the school Wednesday night. "I think that both of the ways we could go tonight are the right way and a right decision. I agree with the residents' association that this is what you call a `true choice' where each of the options is valid," said Burton. "I believe when we look back, this will prove to have been Oakville working at its best and arriving at a well-balanced decision and outcome that benefits everyone." Burton said he had gained confidence the school and the area residents could co-exist thanks to the presentations by Way, the endorsement of the school by a large number of the residents on nearby David Avenue, and discussions with St. Mildred's. 9 | Friday, July 12, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Protect your family. Prepare for their future. A STEP BEYOND IN CARE DO YOU HAVE: Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? We can help with both. Stop by for your free State Farm Insurance and Financial Review®. Get to a better StateTM. Get State Farm®. CONTACT A STATE FARM AGENT TODAY. CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com SIGN UP ONLINE www.ultimatedrivers.ca SAVE $100 JULY 13-14, 20-21 WE ARE OFFERING BOTH DAY AND EVENING 4 DAY PROGRAMS! CALL FOR DETAILS! 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