The uncertain fate of five local school buildings targeted by the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) real estate arm as potential surplus properties has local residents on alert for potential development.
“The TDSB is examining all its properties in light of the fact that we have aging buildings and require considerable capital dollars to reinvest in our schools,” explained Gerri Gershon, TDSB trustee for Ward 13.
One of the sites is the former Fairmeadow Public School, near Old Yonge Street and York Mills Road. Since the board has yet to reveal if the recommendation includes the adjacent six acres, surrounding neighbours are worried about potential development on the green space.
“We are very concerned about what type of development may take place on this very large piece of property in the centre of our neighbourhood,” said Cindy Weiner, president of the St. Andrew’s Ratepayers Association.
Gershon said no final decisions have been made yet but that there is a meeting scheduled for Dec. 6 at Owen Public School.
Another school site that could be sold is Anthony Public School near Dufferin Street and Wilson Avenue, currently leased by the Maki Baum Treatment Centre. Dr. Nehama Baum said the centre wants to purchase the property from the TDSB, but as a charitable organization with a set budget, it won’t be able to afford a bidding war with developers. As outlined in the Education Act, other school boards have an initial 90-day priority period to buy the property before the centre can officially make an offer. If the building is sold to someone else, Baum said the TDSB will help the centre find another location. Since most of the students at Maki Baum are autistic or have developmental and mental health issues, Baum is concerned about how the move would affect her students.
“For this population that needs very intensive treatment and a specialized educational involvement, for them to move to a different location will be very detrimental,” she said.
The other school sites that could be sold include Appian, Kenton and Lester B. Pearson.
