A Circuitous Route

Took me  on to John West , through Tim Horton's parking lot , on to the shared  new road with St. Max High School onto Wellington Street and round again on to Industrial Parkway going north.

What a transformation the school has made to Wellington and the Industrial Parkway. That was one of the last remaining blighted areas on a main entrance into town.

The change was stunning. I couldn't help thinking how it might not have happened if it hadn't been for former Councillor Al Wilson using his own independent judgment.

It was one of those times when each member of the power elite had a script.. Councillor Gaertner said the teaching and other jobs didn't amount to much and Aurora taxpayers had enough to bear with  properties that didn't pay taxes.

The board had  done their planning. Received  permission. Assembled  lands. The last thing  needed was permission  from  Aurora Council for something or other. Lord alone knows how long it took to get to that point. But that's where it almost stalled. That's where it might have had to be an Ontario Municipal Board Hearing with both sides spending thousands of taxpayers' dollars on legal fees.

When I first came to Aurora I heard  how hard it was for  Our Lady Of Grace Parish  to buy land for a church. How many roadblocks were put in the way.

Seventy  or so years later, a high school was being blocked. Half the council voting against it were catholics. Half  of those voting in favour were not.

One person's vote  and a delegation  led by Elizabeth Crowe board  trustee , Father Don Maclean and parents representing each elementary school in town made the difference.

And there it is.

It's nothing but good.

Any Catholic parent of a high school student should be delighted to have it.

Any parent of a public  high school student should wish for the same opportunity.