St. Patrick’s School field is undergoing major renovations, and some neighbours are not happy.
The school in East York has been trying to improve the field for the last couple of years to no avail.
Last year the school was to partner up with Ryerson University, agreeing that a stadium would be constructed if it could be the University’s home field.
Ryerson retracted the contract after it came with backlash from the neighbours who have several concerns.
St.Patrick is situated in a relatively close-knit community, in-between a series of semi-detached homes. Some neighbours share their backyard with the school, and others share the same street.
S. Landy a neighbor who lives directly behind the school says she does not mind the changes.
“I feel like there was a lack of communication, the first time around, they didn’t send out a warning, nor letters, nothing to let us know what was happening, this time everyone living in these houses got a letter,” Landy said.
“I think it’s gonna be great,” says Andy, 19, who also lives in the neighbourhood behind St. Patrick’s. “All the athletes at the school, now they have a new field to play on, and we’re gonna have more people in the community accessing it potentially”.
The new field with synthetic turf and stadium lights will be available to rent to the community after 6 p.m. once completed. The field is expected to draw more people to the small neighbourhood.
“Parking is already scarce — with more people maybe there will be less parking, but parking is already bad,” Andy said.
Landy also suggested parking might be why some neighbours were upset.
“To be honest I don’t have an issue with [the field]. I think the people who share the street with the school, are more upset because of parking,” Landy said.
East York Observer has contacted the school. They have yet to comment on the situation.
St.Patrick’s field is set to be ready by mid-October.