Kingsville Makes Second Attempt to Purchase Closed High School Property
The Town of Kingsville is preparing to make a second attempt at purchasing the closed Kingsville District High School property, with residents expected to learn soon whether this renewed effort will prove successful. This comes after the town's initial expression of interest to purchase the school properties was rejected by provincial authorities in November.
Background on the Vacant School Properties
The former high school, located at 170 Main Street, has remained vacant since June 2024 when students moved to the new kindergarten-to-Grade 12 Erie Migration District School on Jasperson Drive. Migration Hall, which sits on the same property, has also been empty since the transition. Notably, the town has not pursued purchasing the other two closed schools in the area—Kingsville Public School and Jack Miner Public School—both of which also saw their students relocate to the new educational facility.
Changing Provincial Regulations and Market Conditions
Under new provincial regulations, municipalities no longer have first right of refusal when it comes to purchasing former school properties. Instead, these properties must now be sold at fair market value by the Greater Essex County School Board. The school board has listed the properties on the open market, creating a competitive environment for potential buyers.
While the exact amount of Kingsville's initial bid remains undisclosed, as does the specific reason for its rejection, the town has been strategically preparing for this opportunity. According to an administration report, Kingsville has established a reserve fund specifically for the possible purchase of school properties, which currently stands at $3.9 million.
Community Needs Driving the Purchase Effort
Mayor Dennis Rogers emphasized the pressing need for enhanced recreational facilities during a council meeting on January 19. "I think we have an opportunity to increase our recreation capacity," Rogers stated. "It's one thing I hear from our seniors all the time—there's no place for them to go during the day in the town of Kingsville for recreation."
The mayor noted that some residents currently travel to neighboring communities like Essex or Leamington for recreational activities due to the shortage of facilities in Kingsville. The former high school property presents a significant opportunity to address this community gap.
Multiple Potential Uses for the Property
Beyond recreational facilities, Mayor Rogers suggested the property could also serve as a future town hall. "This high school gives us that opportunity with the space and land that's there to build our moderate sized town hall for now, but look to the future and not have to go elsewhere, and not have to spend all that extra money to look for another site," he explained.
Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong highlighted the loss of community programming since Migration Hall closed. The facility previously hosted concerts, served as a community gymnasium, and provided space for local theater productions. "It's such a shame to see it sitting there empty when I know there's basketball tournaments not taking place in our town that would have normally because they can't use that gym," DeYong remarked.
Strategic Advantages of the Property
An analysis conducted by the town reveals several advantages to purchasing the 15-acre school property:
- The property's central location in the town core ensures ease of public access and promotes walkability for residents
- The site offers potential for mixed-use development with opportunities to sever portions of the land for sale to offset acquisition costs
- Municipal ownership would provide the town with greater control over the property's future use and development
Despite the initial setback, municipal leaders remain determined in their pursuit of the property. "To me, that's an opportunity. I don't think we can give up," Mayor Rogers affirmed, reflecting the town's commitment to securing this asset for community benefit.
