Arlington school closing

Toronto middle school set to shut Sept 2011
Local parent Robin Fraser questions next steps for community
Kris Scheuer
(Written June 30 for Town Crier. Update HERE.)

Toronto school board voted to close Arlington MS by Sept 2011.

Next year Arlington Middle School will close its doors forever. But it didn’t have to be this way, says local parent Robin Fraser.
On June 23, school trustees voted in favour of closing the school and expanding and upgrading four elementary schools — JR Wilcox, Cedarvale, Rawlinson and Humewood.
The vote followed months of meetings, known cumulatively as an Accommodation Review Committee or ARC, looking at how to tackle enrolment and space issues in that cluster of schools.
Fraser, who has a son graduating from Arlington and a daughter at nearby Humewood, fought for alternatives to closures.
“After my deputation to move (Arlington) into a sports school there was a healthy discussion,” she said. “(Then) they all voted to close Arlington except (trustee) Ms. Maria Rodrigues.”
The plan is to close Arlington by September 2011.

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Peter Nolan Ward 21 candidate

TTC driver takes on incumbent Councillor Mihevc
Kris Scheuer
(Written July 2 for Town Crier.)

Peter Nolan.

St. Paul’s council candidate Peter Nolan wants the TTC to become an essential service.
It’s a hot button issue, considering Nolan is a transit driver.
Declaring the TTC essential would require the province’s permission, and mean removing the union’s right to strike.
“I work for the TTC. I’m part of the union. I’m a (bus) driver. I believe in the right to strike. I like unions,” said the first-time
candidate. “But to run the city, the TTC is essential. The city shuts down without the TTC.
“Obviously, you have to deal with added costs.”