MARTINTOWN – South Glengarry has approved a rezoning application clearing the way for the building of a nature-based private school east of Martintown.
Five acres of the 53-acre property that is on County Road 18, about two kilometers east of Martintown, will be rezoned from rural to rural exception fifteen (RU-15) to permit the private school.
The proposal went through a public meeting last month and a public review period. The municipality says no comments or concerns were received.
“If an individual wants to open a private school, I see no reason why we would prevent that from happening. They seem to be going through the proper channels to make it happen,” Deputy Mayor Lyle Warden said Tuesday night.
A report by Planning General Manager Joanne Haley shows “there is a need for this type of learning environment” because South Glengarry currently has no private schools.
As part of the site plan for the school, which has to go to the United Counties of SD&G because it involves a county road, SD&G will require the proponents to add a separate driveway – away from a blind curve on County Road 18.
“The county prefers to see the construction of a separate entrance for the school, located east of the residential entrance,” it said in the report, also due to the increased traffic twice a day.
Sarah McCullough and Edwin Ferguson plan to build a 24 feet by 36 feet (7 meters by 11 meters) schoolhouse with two washrooms and a new septic system.
The school will have room for 15-30 students though the plans are for 20. The school yard area of the property will be fenced.