Fence at school near Caledonia protest may not be ready for Tuesday

Cheryl Bauslaugh
Brantford Expositor
Friday, September 01, 2006

Parents worried about the safety of their children can count on an eight-foot fence being built between Notre Dame School and the housing site occupied by native protesters.

But it probably won't be ready in time for the first day of school on Tuesday.

"We're still trying to get a contractor in place," said Theresa Harris, director of education for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. "Whether or not it will be in place for the first day of school is questionable."

Trustees agreed to install a wooden privacy fence at the rear of the school last week, during a public meeting attended by about 300 residents. And they confirmed that decision at a special board meeting Wednesday, even though an OPP expert feels it probably isn't the best solution.

Doug Graham, who specializes in crime prevention through environmental design, told a parent council meeting on Tuesday that the fence would impede visibility and might make students more fearful. But the board decided to install the fence anyway, as a temporary measure, because that's what the school community wants.

"The board is listening to the community," Harris said Thursday. "We're trying to pay attention to their needs."

The real challenge may be in finding someone to build the fence.

Harris said the project was put on hold after a contractor who visited the school Monday refused to enter the occupied site to construct the fence. She said the province, which owns the former Douglas Creek Estates, is now looking after the fence.

"It may involve getting an agreement with the occupiers," she said.

The cost of the fence, which is estimated at $30,000, will be picked up by the provincial government. The province is also paying for added security measures at the school, including more surveillance cameras, a full-time police liaison officer, and a plastic coating on rear windows that will provide additional strength.

"They came to us and said, 'What is it you need?'"

Harris said she has had a lot of phone calls from parents over the past week but has no indication of a widespread student boycott on Tuesday.

"They wanted to talk through their concerns but most have said they'll send their children to school," she said. "We know there are a few who have made alternate arrangements."

Harris plans to be on hand Tuesday morning "just to make sure things are gong well."

And even though the board does have an agreement with the public board to house Notre Dame students in portables at a Grand Erie site if necessary, Harris doesn't see that happening.

"We have no reason to believe that will be a necessity."

Harris said she's received assurances from Six Nations Confederacy Chief Allen McNaughton and clan mothers that there's no need to be fearful.

"We do not see a reason to abandon this site," she said.

"I think once school starts, parents will be more relaxed. At least, I hope they will."