The dispute over the future home of a special needs school in the northwest community of Varsity continues as opponents to the project defaced a construction sign with colourful markers.
A sign at the proposed site for the new Christine Meikle School in the 3600 block of 50 St. N.W. bears messages allegedly written by neighbourhood residents who believe the land should remain a park. The vandalism consists of comments which include ‘Save The Park’ and ‘The stars are gorgeous in this park’.
The colourful vandalism mirrors the allegations in a lawsuit filed by area residents who say the Calgary Board of Education declared the land surplus over a decade ago.
Earlier this week, the CBE filed a statement of defence claiming some area residents expressed concerns about the I.Q. level of the special needs students who might come to their neighbourhood.
Parents of student who attend the current location of Christine Meikle school in Bridgeland/Riverside find the alleged intolerant comments troubling.
“We do everything we can to promote their confidence and self-respect because these kids don't even know what people are saying about them,” said Shaila Khan. “There's no way they can defend themselves and it's heartbreaking when you hear people say that.”
A date for the court case has yet to be set.
With files from CTV's Kevin Green
