Kingsville town councillors will debate the merits of buying the former Kingsville District High School on Monday night.
The Greater Essex County District School Board put that property, along with Kingsville Public School and Windsor Stadium, on the market recently, but the town has been eyeing the property at Kingsville District High School for some time.
The schools closed, along with Jack Miner Public School, in June 2024, just before the opening of the new Erie Migration District School.
Mayor Dennis Rogers made a presentation soon after the schools closed, outlining what he called "The Mayor's Vision for School Properties and Facilities." At the time, Rogers proposed buying all three school properties, but Monday night's meeting will focus solely on the former high school's 15-acre property.
A public forum for feedback was opened in July 2024 and remains open to this day.
When the school board declared the properties surplus in early 2025, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing requested the town submit an expression of interest, which it did last May. It was informed in November that the submission was not accepted.
The former high school property could be used for affordable housing, but the town is also looking for a location for a new town hall and OPP detachment.
The property raises questions for councillors because it still contains asbestos, which would have to be removed. The cost of operating and maintaining the buildings could also be higher than councillors may be willing to accept.
If the town decides to move forward with a bid, it has until February 6 to make a submission.
