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Catholic school board votes to close St. James school by Kathy Yanchus Metroland West Media 11 | Friday, April 29, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) has voted in favour of closing Oakville's St. James elementary school and consolidating its students in a brand new school on the current site of St. Joseph. The school closure/consolidation recommendation, given by staff to trustees in January in a modified pupil accommodation review report (MPAR), was one of four regional scenarios decided upon at this month's regular meeting of the board. Oakville trustees Anthony Quinn and Helena Karabela expressed concern about closing a school in close proximity to a church (St. James Parish). "I am philosophically opposed to closing Catholic elementary schools adjacent to parishes until such time as we are compelled to do so," said Quinn. Another Oakville trustee Anthony Danko said it was "regrettable," but the fact was St. James' utilization had fallen below 50 per cent, so going forward with the MPAR proposal "is a wise thing to do to re-balance our resources," he continued. The new school will accommodate 504 students and is expected to open for the 2017/2018 school year at the earliest. The proposal also calls for the replacement of an old wing of St. Dominic School with a new addition and an 88-place childcare centre. St. James will become the new home of the Thomas Merton Adult Learning Centre. At a board meeting two weeks ago devoted to delegations, there were only four Oakville delegations and three of those were in favour of the proposal. The majority of the 22 delegations that night were Burlington-based. On Tuesday, the board also rejected the MPAR proposal to close three Burlington elementary schools, and voted in favour of building a new elementary school, while closing two others, in Georgetown. Both new builds are contingent on Ministry of Education approval and funding. Get in on the Red Tape Challenge The Oakville Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses and residents to take the Red Tape Challenge by using the Province's new online consultation tool to identify and improve regulations that are unclear, outdated, redundant or unnecessarily costly. The government is using the tool to receive input to streamline services intended to help businesses and the economy grow. Last summer, the Ontario Chamber called on the Province to adopt a crowd-sourced approach to regulatory change. We encourage the government to make burden reduction a priority. By seeking new opportunities to reduce the cumulative regulatory burden on business, we are helping to grow Ontario's economy," said Kerry Colborne, chair of the Oakville chamber. To provide input or learn more, visit www. ontario.ca/page/red-tape-challenge. Deen, Grade 4. Current curious and engaged student, future innovator. Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Join us for our Open House on Wednesday, May 4. Call 905-389-1367, or visit www.hsc.on.ca, for details. DENNIS' AUTO SERVICE s r r TM DENNIS CIACCIA Owner/Operator 905.842.6000 BRAKES SPECIAL · Inspect front & rear brakes · Check tune-up belts · Check lights · Check steering · Check exhaust · Inspect all levels · Rotate 4 tires & adjust air pressure · Windshield washer fluid top-up 501 sPeers rd. uNit #2 (1/2 km east of 4th Line), oakviLLe NatioNwide Lifetime GuaraNtees · serviNG the oakviLLe CommuNity siNCe 1990 50 POINT SPRING CHECK-UP, OIL CHANGE & ROTATION · Change oil, filter & lube · Up to 5L,10W30, 5W20, 5W30-Synthetic Oil Extra · Load test battery & service terminals if required · Check cooling system, test coolant strength $ NEW CAR WARRANTY APPROVED. All coupons must be presented at time of arrival. Coupons cannot be combined with any other offer or special. Expires May 14, 2016. 39 99 99 +taxes most cars Includes parts & labour Most cars & light trucks. All coupons must be presented upon arrival. Cannot be combined with any other offer or specials. Expires May 14, 2016. PADS or SHOES NO TAX SAFETY CHECK Ontario Government Inspection LUBE, OIL & FILTER MUFFLERS & PIPES $ Most cars & light trucks. All coupons must be presented upon arrival. Expires May 14, 2016. 69 99 $ +taxes 24 +taxes Includes up to 5L 5w20, 5w30, 10w30 Synthetic oil extra. Most cars & light trucks. 20OFF % AyA Kitchens of oAKville 1195 north service roAd west Most Cars 905.847.1522 ayaoakville.com ON parts & labOur Most cars & light trucks. All coupons must be presented upon arrival. Expires May 14, 2016. All coupons must be presented at time of arrival. Expires May 14, 2016. Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 5:00. Open some Saturdays.