DISTRESSED OVER 'DRUG CORRIDOR'

Stacey Gagnon doesn't want her six-year-old daughter walking down the
"drug corridor," or through a parking lot full of teenage drivers, to
get to school.

"I've been in high school before," she said. "I know sometimes it's
'cool' to bug the little people, and the fact that drugs are more
prominent now, that scares me. You never know."

Gagnon's daughter attends Westsyde elementary, one of three
elementary schools slated for possible closure following this school year.

If the school is closed, more than 200 students will be moved to
neighbouring David Thompson elementary, raising a slew of parental
concerns, including walking distance and routes.

School District 73 assistant superintendent Jean Borsa met with
members of the Westsyde parent advisory committee this past week to
hear their concerns, answer questions and provide information.

"It's just a matter of making sure they knew all the things that they
could do so that the board receives the best information it can and
parents can have their questions answered," said Borsa.

Gagnon said her main concern is how her daughter will get to David Thompson.

The family does not live far enough for bus service, and the walking
route to the school is not one considered safe by parents, she said.
The route would take many students through alleyways and parking lots
at and near Westsyde secondary, said Gagnon.

She added that the high school has a reputation in the community for
having a drug problem, noting that the pathway from the Super Save
gas station to David Thompson elementary is where secondary students
smoke and is referred to by residents as "the drug corridor."

Borsa said she reminded parents that no final decision has been made,
and she understands "parents are going to try and think ahead and
worry about things that might happen.

"But if there is any children using drugs and we know about it, it
will certainly be patrolled and looked after and reported," Borsa said.

"Because those are things that we do not want children to be doing,
no matter what their age."

The Westsyde PAC is on a fact-finding mission, gathering information
and formulating questions based on parent concerns.

The group will host a community forum on Tuesday night.

The PAC hopes to have its questions answered in time for the school
board's public hearing on the possible school closure, scheduled for Feb. 21.