Those wanting more information about the new Alexandra Community school in Owen Sound will get an opportunity to ask questions soon.
A public meeting has been scheduled as part of tonight’s
The Bluewater District School Board has applied for a zoning change for a portion of the lands it owns adjacent to the current school.
It wants to build the new school on that land — then demolish the old school.
A zoning change is needed for the north end of the property which is currently designated residential.
The school board’s plan is for a 5.2-million dollar, 27 thousand square foot, single-storey building that will accommodate 260 students.
Ideally, the board wants to begin construction this spring and open it in the fall of 2011, after which time the existing school will be closed and torn down.
The oldest section of Alexandra was built in 1924 and is the oldest school still being operated in Owen Sound.
But unlike the 1891 original wing of St. Mary’s High School, which was recently closed, it’s not on the city’s register of heritage properties.
Councillor Jim McManaman requested information as to why staff feel it should not be on the register.
McManaman says he’s not necessarily suggesting the city fight to save it as a heritage property as it is with St. Mary’s.
But he wants there to be no suggestion that a demolition permit will be granted for Alexandra with no questions asked.
He wants both school boards to be treated equally.