Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is seeking community feedback on the fate of the old South Wellington Elementary School site.
The school district board approved a 25-year lease agreement for the school with the Regional District of Nanaimo this past June, contingent on public consultation and support of RDN residents, as well as final approvals from B.C. Ministry of Education and the school board.
The school district is inviting the community to take part in a “virtual engagement” session Thursday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m., according to a social media post. People will have the opportunity to ask staff any questions, with both RDN and school district staff on hand.
Under terms of the draft lease, the RDN would upgrade the facility and bring it up to seismic standards.
Join us at the virtual engagement session to learn more about this exciting project. RDN representatives will be available to help answer your questions. #RDN #nanaimo https://t.co/G1OiSPt3aQ
— RDN (@RDNanaimo) September 15, 2021
The school shuttered in 2013 and while the school district had intentions of demolition, the board voted against razing the school in July 2020. Area residents had expressed interest in converting the site into a community centre-type facility.
School district staff previously estimated it could cost between $1 million to $3 million to upgrade the facility.
Final approval from the school board is scheduled to take place at a Sept. 29 meeting.
For more information, including how to take part, go to www.sd68.bc.ca/board/south-wellington-project.
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