Two councillors absent for the vote to purchase former high school property
After a brief discussion and vote at last evening’s council meeting, the Town of Kingsville agreed to move forward with submitting a bid to purchase the former Kingsville District High School (KDHS) property at 170 Main Street East.
In November of last year, the town was advised that its Expression of Interest for both the KDHS property and the former Kingsville Public School (KPS) was not accepted by the province. As a result, the Town must now take part in an open bidding process and compete with other potential buyers.
Based on this development, town administration recommended that council abandon plans to acquire KPS and instead focus solely on pursuing the KDHS site. Mayor Dennis Rogers described the opportunity to acquire the site as “generational,” noting its potential to help shape the town’s future.
Council debate included discussions about Migration Hall, a building located on the KDHS property that was funded in part through community fundraising efforts. Citing a lack of recreational space in Kingsville, council heard that retaining Migration Hall could allow for future sports and arts programming for residents.
Other potential uses for the KDHS site were discussed, including the possibility of a YMCA, relocating municipal offices to maintain walkable access to services for residents, and consolidating senior services that are currently spread across multiple locations.
Councillors Debby Jarvis-Chausse and Larry Patterson voted against submitting a bid. While acknowledging the town’s need for additional civic space, Jarvis-Chausse cited significant unknown costs related to repairs and potential demolition of the buildings as reasons for her opposition.
Councillor Tony Gaffan and Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong voted in favour of moving forward with submitting a bid. Mayor Dennis Rogers also voted in favour, aligning with Gaffan and DeYong.
Councillors Thomas Neufeld and Sheri Lowrie were absent from the meeting.
The 3–2 vote means the Town of Kingsville will now submit its competitive bid to purchase the KDHS property.
Town administration has secured an independent appraisal of the property and buildings, and council has established a confidential maximum bid, which will be made public after the bidding process concludes.
Bids are being accepted by the school board until 2 p.m. on February 6.
~ Photo by Kingsville Times
Smart move! Makes far more sense for the town to be in the driving seat with a property so integral to the downtown core rather than a bystander to potential property development. Furthermore, Migration Hall already part of the town’s fabric is needed for a downtown performing arts space at the very least.
And Nigel, if we could convince the YMCA as to an interest in Kingsville, & the Migration Hall they would be in walking distance for 2 potential residential developments & one in progress plus the mega school & 2 existing condo developments.
The Y in past has indicated an interest in a county location, what better than the central Main St. 15 acre property in Kingsville.
The Y brings all of their programing to every age group & offer training & employment to our younger population – with the possibility of a pool, we living on the lake could finally offer learn to swim programs all the way to competing swim teams presenting Kingsville.
Swimming is a number one fitness program for all ages.
Anyway another thought along with your suggestion for the performing arts – totally agree.