The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board is planning to use a residential property next to the school in order to expand the facility. With this new addition, its anticipated that a demolition permit will be sought for the oldest part of the school. There will be a public meeting on April 28 to consider a zoning amendment to allow the school expansion to proceed. Councillor Peter Lemon says he would hate to see this building lost. He says the facade of the highschool is part of the character of the city. The original 1891 school building has not been highly maintained and has considerable structural damage. A structural engineering report states it would cost a few million dollars to repair the school. The biggest concern is the deterioration of the school, which could lead to total collapse of the building. The school board does not have the finances to repair and maintain the 1891 structure, and the province is not offering any assistance — only new construction dollars are available. Lemon says the provincial funding formula favours demolition rather than re-building. McManaman hopes there could be some provincial funding coming forward to help save the school. He says the city is hoping to work with the school board to save the older portion of the school.
