Clearview Council intends to donate the use of the now depleted Nottawasaga gravel pit to Stayner Collegiate Institute for use in a new, intensive environmental program at the school that is set to begin in September 2012.
The program, a Specialist High School Major (SHSM) in the Environment, will give students a special designation on their diploma, should they complete a “bundle” of credits focusing on Science, Geography, Outdoor Activities, English, Math, and Co-Op Education. They will also be required to gain certifications in areas pertaining to the environment (for example, GPS, GIS, watershed management, animal and plant management).
The final piece in the puzzle is the Township property, which contains two distinct habitats – wetlands and forest – that would be used for experiential learning. As well, it contains the old gravel pit, which has yet to be rehabilitated – a process the students would now undertake through reforestration.
“This land would enrich this new program so much,” said SCI vice principal Janice Ellerby in a presentation to Council Monday night. “It would also go a long way towards ensuring that SCI is Clearview Township’s high school for another 50 years.”
Planning director Michael Wynia, who took credit for the original idea, told Council the next step in the process would be to check with the MNR that rehabilitation could be done by the students, and to acquire insurance.
To that end, Council voted unanimously to move the process forward, and several members expressed their enthusiasm for the project. “We want to jump on your bandwagon,” Deputy Mayor Alicia Savage told Ellerby.