Christ the Redeemer School Division superintendent Michael O’Brien says they are planning to have a concrete solution to the parking issues at St. Anthony’s School,
The one sticking point at this moment is the funds necessary to fix it.
The parking lot at the school has been an issue since the school opened at its new location on North Dinosaur Trail. The lot is often congested after school as parents stream in to pick up their children and school buses attempt to exit.
At times, the situation is compounded with industrial traffic entering and exiting the neighbouring property.
Often the result is cars being stopped on North Dinosaur Trail, creating what many believe to be an unsafe situation.
Last week the RCMP issued a press release to help curb the issues by staggering when buses and parents arrive at the school, warning they may begin ticketing repeat offenders for obstructing traffic.
O’Brien said the school division is aware of the issues with the parking lot and they are eventually planning to fix it.
“We have a big field out there, so there is a lot of things we can do,” said O’Brien. “Part of the issue right now is money.”
When the school opened, principal Tim Gregorash explained in a letter to parents, the initial plans for the school allowed more space for a pick up and drop off loop, however it was decided to shift the school east to avoid building on a mine shaft.
O’Brien explains the division is still working on settling the construction of the school itself. Problems with the initial contractor of the school led to the division having Cana Construction complete the project. The bills have yet to be settled.
“We know Drumheller is important and we want to complete the project including the parking, we just have to be a little more patient,” he said. “We want to make it the best place we can make it.”
