It appears work on the new Chippewa fence project has already started on the north end of the secondary school's north parking lot.
Several high poles have been erected as the first phase of the controversial project.
Back in mid-November of 2023, Chippewa Secondary School announced a decision by the Near North District School Board to have a fence erected as a way to separate the city’s homeless and public drug users, from the students as the low barrier homeless shelter is located across the street from the high school.
In early December, the Near North Board noted that they would require special permission from the City of North Bay to erect a fence of that height around the school.
"The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is aware that there will be a requirement to apply for a minor variance if it is decided to install an 8'-high section along the front face of the building. We have yet to determine what the appropriate height will be in that area," stated Brett Hanson, Communications Coordinator for the Near North District School Board in an email to BayToday in December.
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The fence will be in two parts. The first will cover the track and field area. The second will enclose the school, running along Chippewa Street West and parallel to High Street.
The fence, which was approved by the Near North District School Board, will cost $611,000 plus HST. Ed Séguin & Sons Trucking Paving Ltd. was awarded the contract for the work, having put in the lowest bid.
“In our ever-evolving world today,” school administration noted in a letter to parents, “our school is constantly working to improve the safety and security of students, staff, families and guests.” Hence the fence, which will surround the field at the north end of the property, “and the other is around the school itself.”
