The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB) now has the land it needs to build a new high school in Owen Sound.
The board announced it successfully acquired the land after it was identified as a suitable site following a thorough evaluation of more than 14 potential locations within the city. While the board did not provide the exact location, a public meeting notice on the Owen Sound council website lists it as being on 28th Avenue East, south of 16th Street East.
The new two-storey secondary school will have space for 1,012 students in Grades 9 to 12, a field house, small auto shop, sports fields, parking areas, and space for portables should they be needed in the future due to increased student enrolment.
"This is a truly wonderful day for BGCDSB and the families of Owen Sound and surrounding areas," said Board Chair Lori Di Castri. "The significant overcrowding at our current high school has been an ongoing concern for a number of years, and the acquisition of this land represents a very tangible step toward a long-term solution. We are confident that this new location for our high school will serve our expanding student population exceptionally well."
The provincial government has committed $36 million toward the construction.
“Once completed, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow," Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra said in a statement.
A public meeting regarding a re-zoning application on the property is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on June 23 at Owen Sound city hall. Currently, the land is classified as rural and would need to be re-zoned as institutional before construction can begin.