The Hanover School Division got the green light from the RM of Hanover to proceed with the process of adding staff parking at the Blumenort School.

HSD Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Heide says the street in front of the school can get quite busy and adds they are also addressing concerns of student safety.

"We purchased a lot 175(feet) by 138(feet) in order to provide some more staff parking. We looked at developing parking for 57 additional spots to keep some of the staff off of the street and also away from the busy traffic area in front of the school. Currently staff parking in Blumenort is located behind the building for some staff as well as there is guest parking and a drop off zone in front of the school. We're trying to clarify our lines between the bus loop and where we want both the parents to drive as well as staff and keeping staff traffic out of the traffic flow before and after school for student safety. "

Heide adds they've been looking at this for some time and were just waiting on the conditional use from the RM of Hanover to finalize the deal with the landowner.

"It was really contingent on the conditional use because if we weren't able to use it as a parking lot, we weren't interested in the land. So we're working with the landowner to get this conditional use, which we got from the RM of Hanover at their public hearing, so now we will proceed with the purchase.

Heide notes if all goes swiftly, they hope to have the new parking lot completed late this fall but adds worse case scenario it will get done in spring.