A Richmond Hill-based private school is proposing to convert an Aurora industrial building into a new location for its students.
Richland Academy has been running an international baccalaureate private school in Richmond Hill since 2018 for students in kindergarten to Grade 6. Now, the institution is looking to set up a school for middle and secondary students at 240 Industrial Pwky S., where a multi-unit industrial building currently sits.
The plan would be to open with about 180 students and 30 to 35 staff members, according to Francesco Fiorani, a senior planner with Brutto Consulting, who spoke on behalf of Richland Academy during a Town of Aurora public planning meeting Jan. 21.
Eventually, the plan is for the school to house 300 students and 50 staff.
The school plans to re-purpose the existing industrial employment building, with the floor plan to include 18 classrooms, a cafeteria, auditorium, two gymnasiums, and library over 5,415 square metres of floor space. There are also plans for 83 parking spaces, as well as an outdoor turf field.
The site borders the railway corridor, with town staff noting Metrolinx had some requirements about noise and vibration assessments that would need to be addressed.
Town of Aurora planning director Marco Ramunno said when Aurora Montessori School was built on Industrial Parkway North, Metrolinx required the school to consruct a berm — a hillside. He noted that the part of the building closest to the railway is set to be converted to a gymnasium, “so the actual classroom will be well buffered from the tracks.”
Steve Davey, who owns a business neighbouring the proposed school site, said he thought it was a great idea, but suggested the speed limit be lowered.
Mayor Tom Mrakas said council could look at implementing a community safety zone along the stretch of the road outside the school in the future.
Should everything go well, Fiorani said the school could open in September 2027, with some extra-curricular activities and summer camps potentially being hosted before the official school opening.
Ultimately, a report will be brought forward to a future council meeting.