Infuse 2013
In July of 2013, Professor Mark Seasons presented at the Canadian Institute of Planners conference, Infuse 2013. The theme of the conference was to ‘infuse’ growth and change, pursue problems with new and creative solutions, and to develop new tools and techniques to create great communities.
Setting the stage
On the topic of school closures, Professor Seasons noted several important elements to this issue, including that “schools not only educate our children, they are also an important part of the community’s fabric” and “schools are an essential asset to communities and their host neighbourhood, especially inner-city neighbourhoods”. At the heart of this issue are two key aspects; a fiscal challenge faced by school boards, and a policy conflict stemming from an uncoordinated approach from several ministries. Further, there appears to be a paradox between the mandates of school boards and communities. On one hand, the boards primary objectives are to deliver a curriculum and manage facilities as per ministry guidelines. On the other hand, cities attempt to plan for sustainable communities by balancing the social, economic, and environmental factors.The conflict stems from how each respectively views the value of schools. For the boards, schools are ‘real property’, while for cities, schools are an essential community asset.
Lessons learned, and moving forward
Using the Peterborough Collegiate Vocational School case as an example, Professor Seasons continues this discussion by highlighting some of the flaws in governance and process, while also addressing the potential impacts of school closures on local communities and neighbourhoods. The presentation is rounded out by suggesting that improvements could be made to the decision making process, and that urban planning theory and practice has the potential to ameliorate this issue by shifting the focus from efficiency to effectiveness and equity.
