Controversy surrounds Pasteur School expansion project

School management, who want to add a two-story building, never thought that their project would be controversial. Neighbours are opposed to this new construction, which would see part of the development built in a residential zone. The project has already been modified, such as a reduced width of the building, after an evaluation by the borough.

In the minutes of the borough of Ahuntsic-Cartierville on September 5, 2006, the pre-school, elementary and high school facility is projected to expand its building on de la Miséricorde Avenue with two floors to add a gymnasium, a library, a teachers room, a computer room and offices.

"The expansion mainly aims at responding to a new teaching approach which foresees an increase in time devoted to physical education for high school students," one of the documents indicates.

Pasteur School was established in 1956 and has 700 students in its two pavilions located at de la Miséricorde Avenue and Lachapelle Street. The Courrier Bordeaux-Cartierville contacted the management of the school, but could not obtain further information. "As long as this is under litigation with the city of Montreal, we cannot comment on the project," said Director Volta Ramirez.

The borough gave the same response. "It is in the hands of city lawyers and I cannot give out information,� explained borough spokesperson Marie-Élaine Ladouceur. “We are in the midst of a legal process. We cannot make a judgement, nor provide details at this time."

Citizens opposed to the project are also short of comments. They gathered at an informal committee meeting following a public consultation on September 5. There are approximately 25 who wish to hold a referendum relating to the three zoning exemptions requested by the school. Among those, is the height of the building, considered to be unreasonable by citizens. This would be lower than the existing part of the school, which is three floors, but would exceed the height of the residential buildings on de la Miséricorde Avenue and Fréchette Street.

"Would you like to have the windows of a building in your yard, would you like to have your entry door opposite a 30 by 60 foot section?" said one neighbour of the school who preferred to be anonymous.

The citizens asked if the project would disturb the tranquility that currently exists. "At the time of the public consultation, it was known that the gymnasium would be rented in the evening for activities other than those of the school," said one the residents. (Translated by Michael Beigleman)