A tense standoff occurred at Havenpark Secondary School on Thursday morning when Martin Meyer led an unannounced inspection after complaints about a logistics business operating on school grounds. The inspection came after officials were reportedly turned away during a previous attempt last week.
The deputy principal initially tried to block entry, but the inspection proceeded with law enforcement present. Officials found the school’s sports field partially converted into a truck and bus depot, with several buses parked and others undergoing repairs on site.
MEC Meyer said the department would not tolerate illegal use of government property.
“A depot like this, according to our officials, brings a severe risk, a health risk, and a safety risk to the learners of the school,” he said.
Meyer acknowledged that schools can rent out parts of their property for fundraising, but stressed that the operation violated city bylaws and the designated use of the property. “What we as public works have assigned this property for cannot be allowed, and it must be investigated,” he added.