> Campus Plans FAQ
1. What is SJR planning to build?
We will be redeveloping a portion of our Senior School and building a new fitness centre for the use of our staff and students. We are taking a block of aging classrooms down to make room for more modern classroom space. The buildings will nestle into the existing campus.
2. Does SJR’s development plans include a large expansion and more students?
No. What makes SJR special is we’re a small school and our commitment to that remains the same. On average we have just over 800 students. Our changes are not to attract more students, but to give existing students modern classrooms. The boarding dormitories are not being increased.
3. When will all these changes take place?
Construction will start this spring and be complete by late summer 2014.
4. Will the new buildings include tall towers?
No. SJR first moved here in 1934, 79 years ago, when the Wildwood community was undeveloped. We have a great deal of reverence for the heritage and architecture that has been developed over generations on this site. The current plans show the new buildings will not be significantly higher than the existing structures.
5. How will parking be affected and will there be more or less parking on the public street?
The City of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Government has asked SJR to make the dike behind the School higher and wider at SJR’s own expense. This major undertaking will improve flood protection for the entire neighbourhood. The dike improvements will result in a loss of parking behind the School, which we will replace elsewhere on the School property. There will be no decrease in parking space on campus from either the dike changes or the development plans.
6. Will the buses ever stage on the public street again?
There may be occasions when the buses will stage on the street intermittently during construction. Schools in Manitoba are allowed to stage buses on the public street and they do so every day. However, it is our intention to avoid doing that as much as possible out of respect for nearby neighbours. Most of the construction takes place during the summer when the buses are not operating.
7. Will community members be able to jog through SJR’s property or walk their dogs there in the future?
Yes. We’ve been part of the Wildwood community for decades and have always shared our private space with the public and hope to continue to do that in the future. However, access may be limited during the construction period for everyone’s safety.
8. Who’s going to pay for these improvements?
SJR is a private school and all of our reconstruction and dike improvements will be paid for through fundraising and donations from the private sector, alumni and current parents. There will not be any taxpayers’ dollars used in these projects.
9. Are there any zoning changes required?
The proposed development meets all zoning by-law requirements and does not require any zoning changes or public hearings. Building permits will be required for the construction and site work. A Waterways Permit will also be required for the dike improvements
10. Are you building in an environmentally conscious way?
One of SJR’s core values is a commitment to good stewardship. Our goals are to build to Manitoba Hydro Power Smart specifications.
Contact Us
Throughout the process SJR will continue to provide updates online. If you have any questions you may contact Head of School, Dr. Stephen Johnson, at 204.477.2410.
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