Kingsville looks at buying 3 schools replaced by Erie Migration Academy

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The Town of Kingsville is considering buying three schools that have been shut down to make way for the new Erie Migration Academy. 

There will be a public information meeting on July 29 to discuss the options for the permanently closed Kingsville District High School, Kingsville Public School, and Jack Miner Public School. 

“Council identified the future use of the closed school properties as a priority and town administration has been working diligently on it,” said Kingsville CAO John Norton. “We are ready to bring forward information to council and engage the community.” 

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Town administration will make a presentation at the meeting with information about provincial legislation that determines how school boards sell properties, at what price, and to whom. 

The presentation will also include details about the “advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls for the Town of Kingsville purchasing one or more of the school properties from the school board.” 

Residents will have a chance to ask questions and provide comments to senior administrative staff. 

A media release from the town stated that Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers and the other council members will attend the meeting, but only to observe. Council will make decisions about the fate of the buildings in the fall, according to the town.  

Rogers declined an interview request from the Windsor Star, but said in a media release that “this is one of our community’s biggest decisions.  

“We hope to see a huge turnout both in person and online to determine whether there is public appetite for purchasing and redeveloping these properties,” he said. 

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The meeting starts at 6 p.m. on July 29 at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre on Park Street. The meeting will also be live-streamed on the town’s website. 

Starting July 30, residents will also be able to give feedback online at HaveYourSayKingsville.ca. The town said it will collect public feedback until the end of August. 

twilhelm@postmedia.com

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