Details limited as Burlington asks for public input on Bateman high school deal
Published May 18, 2022 at 2:21 pm
The City of Burlington wants to hear from local residents about a potential land swap with the local school board, but details are limited.
What’s known at this point, the swap will include about five acres of City-owned land beside Central High School as a ‘component’ of a land exchange with the Halton District School Board-owned land where the 14-acre Robert Bateman High School currently sits.
But no other details of the deal are being included in the call for public input. Last fall, it was referred to publicly that the Bateman site had a $50M price tag, although the city has steadfastly refused to comment on the private negotiations. There is no mention of any money changing hands here.
The deal would include long-term lease-backs to both the Halton school board and Brock University, not to exceed 25 years, but the plans of those organizations aren’t being revealed either.
In an earlier report, the City said it “desires to acquire ownership of the Bateman Campus for City purposes including a pool, library, and community centre, as well as housing academic programming for a satellite campus of Brock University.”
At the Nov. 15, 2021, Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee meeting, a staff presentation indicated the following outcomes if a deal could be struck:
Videos
- Achieve community recreation needs: retain pool; City control of gym, public greenspace; provide new flexible programming areas (i.e. expanded City community center)
- Formal partnership with Brock and start classes by August 2023
- Relocation of Burlington Public Library (BPL) – New Appleby Branch
- Relocation of TechPlace
- Create a sustainable signature community hub – focus on learning and active living
- A viable business model and final business plan
- Supports Net-Zero Carbon
The land the school board would receive is the current home of Central High School’s track and football field and the HDSB said this wouldn’t be the complete deal.
“This opportunity to acquire the area at Burlington Central High School presented itself to the Board and the City as part of the negotiation process, where the land exchange was incorporated as part of the final offer.”
Public feedback can be provided at the City’s online engagement portal, Get Involved Burlington, until June 13.
“I don’t know how we’re asking the public to comment on this deal when there isn’t enough information out there for them to make an informed decision,” said Lisa Kearns, the Ward 2 councillor where Central High School is located.
“I’ve been dealing with phone calls from upset residents all day, ever since this release was sent out.”
Following public input, staff is expected to present a final report and recommendations at the June 21 council meeting.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising