An affordable housing project in the works for the former Queen Mary School in Belleville will retain green space already on site.
City council received a status update on the project at its meeting on Monday.
The former school on Octavia Street was built in 1912.
It was decommissioned in 1982 and purchased by the city.
The building had most recently been leased to Community Resource Centre Quinte but has been vacant since 2020 and in need of repairs.
In 2023 council approved a resolution to move ahead with plans to redevelop the site into affordable hosing.
The city had hoped to received funding for the project through the Housing Accelerator Fund, however, its funding request was unsuccessful and staff has since been revising the work plan to reflect the available budget and staffing resources.
The parcel of land is significant as it is one of the only park spaces in West Hill and, with the proposed redevelopment intended to be a catalyst for community revitalization in the area, any plan will have to keep the park space including the existing playground and community garden.
Councillor Chris Malette was among a few councillors who noted that they’ve heard from many constituents concerned the project could mean the end of the green space in the area.
But he reassured West Hill residents he will commit to preserving the area’s parkland and community gardens.
“As chair of the Green Task Force I know the value of those community gardens. If we could build or support 200 more of those planter boxes for food production for those who can’t grow or don’t have a backyard, that’s a valuable resource.”
Malette indicated that All-Together Housing and Springale Development, responsible for the Great St. James Place affordable housing project in Belleville, is champing at the bit to become involved.
Councillor Tyler Allsopp says affordable housing and green space are both important.
“Glad to see that that was a part of the focus of this as well as affordable housing which is also very needed in the west end. But to make sure that we preserve as much of that green space as possible and improve on what’s already there I think is going to be paramount.”
While replacement of the playground structure has been estimated for 2026-27 pending funding, it is being suggested upgrading the West Hill Green Space be done in a timeline parallel with the affordable housing plan.
Also as part of Monday’s report, council approved a recommendation that the land, with the exception designated parkland area, be leased for an affordable rental housing project.
Leasing the property to a developer will enable the city to maintain ownership over the site and ensure redevelopment remains affordable housing.
The municipality would be able to stipulate conditions such as having the authority consulted during the development process, setting affordable rates, and the creation of the tenant selection process.
Any concept plan must propose affordable housing that maintains and enhances the surrounding neighbourhood character and provides a mix of housing forms and unit types and addresses.
City staff also continue to review possible opportunities to apply for funding for the project.
A firm has been retained to prepare an updated Building Condition Assessment looking at the potential to reuse the school building.
The structural review is expected to be complete mid-July with staff expected to bring forward a proposal package for council’s approval in August or September.
It will then be released to the public for submissions.
An evaluation committee will be formed to review proposals and provide final recommendations to council for consideration.
