Owen Sound council is moving forward to designate St. Mary’s high school under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Councillor Peter Lemon says the plan is to save the original 1891 school building.
He says its a historic building and should be preserved.
Lemon says the city will have to work with the school board in order to save as much of the old school as possible.
Lemon does not want to lose the heritage of the school, adding its part of the school spirit.
The Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board has not applied for any demolition permits.
Councillor Jim McManaman says he is frustrated by the lack of public input and interest on this issue.
He says many times after the fact, residents come forward with their concerns on the fate of historic buildings.
McManaman says the school is a public building and should be saved.
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.
McManaman says they need to pressure the province to provide funding to help save the school.
Council has approved the zoning amendment to allow the school to expand.
The school board will use a residential property next to the school to construct 10 additional classrooms.
