The Bluewater District School Board now has the zoning changes it needs to build a new Alexandra School in Owen Sound.
But city council is still not touching the issue of demolition of the existing school.
A public meeting was held recently about changing the zoning of the land adjacent to the school in order to allow for construction of the new facility slated to open in 2011.
Council has given the go ahead but Mayor Ruth Lovell Stanners reminded council that their vote of approval only pertained to the zoning change — and not the thorny issue of demolition.
It’s an issue because the city has taken steps to designate the original St. Mary’s School under the Ontario Heritage Act to prevent its demolition by the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board.
It’s been speculated that Alexandra, which is only about 20 years younger than St. Mary’s, could also be considered for a designation, despite the fact that it is not on the city’s list of heritage buildings.
Regardless, the Bluewater District School Board has agreed to provide a heritage impact assessment of Alexandra.
City staff have been directed to immediately notify council if application for demolition of the school is made.