A Sarnia councillor says the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) doesn't want to sever part of the former Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School (SCITS) property for affordable housing.
Mike Stark told council's Monday meeting, however, that the city still has an opportunity to pursue the property in its entirety.
"The purchase would allow the city to market the property for use as a hub, consistent with the Mitton Village concept," said Stark. "I believe this building could offer multiple civic uses, as have been forward by several members of the public."
Stark said he believes there is still interest from the county about potentially using part of the property for an affordable housing initiative.
"The board of education has rejected dividing any portion of the property for such a purpose," he said.
County councillors were notified last month that the board had received approval from the education ministry to sell the site, at 275 Wellington Street, on the open market.
City council unanimously supported a motion from Stark, asking that council be provided with a list of potential community uses and fair market value estimates of both the building and vacant property, as well as demolition or remediation costs, as soon as possible.
"If we do not pursue these opportunities, I believe the heritage building will be lost and several options may be eliminated. Further, the proximity to Sarnia Arena, would suggest programming synergies involving the gymnasium at the former school and the arena."
In an email to Blackburn News Sarnia, Lambton Kent District School Board Public Relations Officer Heather Hughes said, "before a school board may sell surplus property on the open market, it is required to comply with Part II of Regulation 444/98 under the Education Act (Ontario). During the period reserved to it, the City of Sarnia did not submit an expression of interest in or an offer to purchase the 275 Wellington Street property."