Panel data provided by Madison's Canadian Lumber Reporter.

Window To Save KGV May Have Closed

By 250 News

School District 57's Board of Trustees has unanimously passed a recommendation that paves the way for the demolition of the former KGV elementary school.  And the process now underway may make it impossible for a private group interested in re-locating the school to realize its goal.

At last night's board meeting, trustees agreed to seek Ministry of Education funding for the removal of hazardous materials and regulated waste from KGV, the former central administrative office building, and Duchess Park.  In addition, ministry dollars are also being sought for the demolition of the vacant school and admin building, anticipated to be complete by next September.  Duchess, too, will eventually be demolished to make way for a new high school at the site.

Secretary-Treasurer Bryan Mix said the waste removal is expected to cost approximately $1-million dollars, while the demolition price tag is roughly estimated at another $2-million.

Mix told trustees the two vacant buildings have been raising liability concerns in discussions with insurers and with the Ministry.  And, after being questioned by Trustee Lyn Hall about the anonymous bid to re-locate KGV, Mix said that he had met with the individuals, but said he felt entering into such a contract would, again, pose serious liability issues.  The Secretary-Treasurer told trustees it would be better to have the group approach the demolition contractor with its plan.

But, by that stage, the bid to preserve KGV may be in vain.  

Mix said district staff will work with the City to remove anything of heritage value from KGV that could be incorporated into the new school.  Then, the hazardous materials will be removed -- that's a process, Mix admitted, "that is not done with preservation in mind."  So damage to the building will be extensive by the time the tender goes out for demolition.
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