Ivey staff urge Western to pause parking expansion

They’re paving paradise to put up a parking lot.

With apologies to Joni Mitchell, it may not be paradise, but a green space behind the Ivey business school on Western Road is pretty close – and some school staff are angry about plans to expand a parking lot there.

Several Ivey professors, joined by others in the community, oppose the expansion of a parking lot that will add 273 spaces, bringing the total to 479 in the lot. Some fear this will displace birds and other wildlife, cause flooding and diminish the valued green space, said Wren Montgomery, associate professor of sustainability and management, at Ivey.

“We are asking that this be paused. It will destroy something we cannot take back. They need to consult with the community and tell us what is going on,” said Montgomery.

Mont