The former Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School (SCITS) property is being considered for social housing.
Lambton County Chief Administrative Officer Ron Van Horne told city council Monday, discussions are focused on affordable housing after a commitment was made to keep their social services at Bayside Mall.
"There's a very short window time frame coming up for building social housing, with the program, I think, we have to have something purchased or identified, with a commitment from council, I think by the end of January of next year," said Van Horne. "There are signs, I think, that site is still in the mix, in terms of us potentially working with the prospective owner, but there are other sites as well that we're looking at."
City council rejected a recommendation Monday to withdraw the city's interest in the site at 275 Wellington St.
Councillor Dave Boushy convinced his colleagues that the city should continue to be apprised of any developments related to the site's disposition.
"I would like our administration, and that of the county, to meet again and see if we could approach the government for some funding, I don't think we should withdraw, as we've been requested," said Boushy.
Councillor Mike Stark agreed.
"I do not think we should let this go without exploring further the affordable housing opportunities that present themselves on the back campus of what the former SCITS property presents," said Stark. "I would like to explore that, to the nth degree, to ensure that we do not miss an opportunity that I think is critical to the affordable housing issue."
A report to council said the city had considered the property for future development by Sarnia Fire and Rescue Services, but the department has since withdrawn interest in the site.
The Lambton Kent District School Board declared the property surplus last August and is seeking provincial approval to list it for sale.
In 2016, Vision Nursing and Rest Home expressed interest in transforming the former high school into a condominium development.
The Sarnia Heritage Committee also recommended designating the building under the Ontario Heritage Act to ensure its conservation.