Goodbye KGV

By 250 News

KGV circa 1922

Although  residents of the Crescents Community Association  tried to raise awareness and support  to save King George the 5th School, Council has voted to let the building be demolished, and portions of it be incorporated in the design of the new Duchess Park School.  Councilor Don Zurowski added to the motion  that a park be included on the site with "interpretive" components  to commemorate the school.

Councilor Brian Skakun noted "We need to celebrate our heritage, and there is nothing I would like to do more than save this building, but we are facing some challenges (financial) and I just can't do it."  Skakun made it clear there needs to be a solid plan on dealing with heritage buildings as he sees this process as reactive.

Councilor Don Bassermann had met with Education Minister Shirley Bond earlier this month to see if there were any funds available to save the heritage building.  Bassermann reported that Bond made it clear there is no money from her Ministry, although there was no ruling out that funds could have been possible through other venues.  While Bassermann indicated the Minister offered to facilitate discussion on trying to find such funding, he  failed to tell Council if he advised her against proceeding on that path.  He had told Council at the last meeting that he favoured tearing down the school and saving some components for a commemorative display.

Council also received two letters on the matter, one supported saving the building, the other urged Council to rip it down.

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