Council Approves Demo Of Historic School

David Batista shows council pictures of the exterior of Riverside School during a public hearing on a demolition permit for the direct control zoned property. (Photo Alex McCuaig)

For Riverside School, a last-ditch effort to save the more than 100-year-old building was too little, too late as city council voted to approve the demolition of the building Monday during its regular meeting.

“The school is beyond hope,” said Coun. Bill Cocks.

The school was closed in the spring of 2017 and subsequently sold by the public school district for $850,000 to Covenant Health for a planned seniors’ care facility . A subsequent payment of a little more than $70,000 was required to purchase a historical right-of-way which bisected the property.

Council heard Monarch Land purchased the property earlier this year.

A public hearing heard from two individuals who spoke in support of the demolition as well as the property owner and developer. As well, one neighbourhood resident, David Batista, spoke with council reciving a dozen written submissions supporting his position.

Pictures of the interior of the building showed extensive graffiti and water damage which was backed by an independent inspection report.

However, there was spirited debate regarding whether council can impose conditions on the developer to maintain historical features of the school, including the James Marshall ceramic relief and the “BOYS” and “GIRLS” stone entrance signs.

The property had been zoned Community Services but was re-zoned Direct Control after the land was purchased by Covenant Health. That re-zoning occurred despite a seniors’ centre falling under the Community Services zoning.

Brad Wenzel, developer with Prime Builders and applicant on behalf of Monarch, told council saving the specified architectural features of Riverside School was part of the application.

Brad Wenzel, developer with Prime Builders, speaking as the applicant for the demolition permit. (Photo Alex McCuaig)

Cocks warned past developers have made similar commitments but failed to live up to them.

Mayor Linnsie Clark lamented the loss of the school but stated the city does not have the funds to purchase and renovate the building with the options the municipality is left with being, “develop it or not develop it.”

Council passed the motion allowing demolition of the school.

Batista highlighted that while the demolition of the school has been approved, council still has control of the future of the property through its Direct Control zoning.

“City council has direct control over this land,” said Batista, indicating he intends to continue his opposition of the soon to be proposed sub-division development. “They may take our school, but they won’t our fields.”

The Municipal Planning Commission previously heard the plans for the property is to sub-divide it into up to 20 lots for low-density housing.