Potential uses for the former Frankville Public School include municipal offices or a community hub
Residents of Elizabethtown-Kitley will have an opportunity this month to help shape the future of the former Frankville Public School.
The township is hosting two public meetings to gather feedback on potential uses for the property at 231 County Road 29 in Frankville after completing its purchase earlier this spring.
Council approved the acquisition of the school for $325,000 on Feb. 23, and the sale officially closed May 25. With the property now under municipal ownership, township officials say they want community input before determining its long-term use.
Mayor Brant Burrow described the purchase as a “generational opportunity” for the township.
“Acquiring the former Frankville Public School presents the Township with a generational opportunity, and we are pleased that we were able to retain this valuable property in public hands,” Burrow said in a media release. “The facility is well maintained, offers many useful amenities, and can be economically retrofitted to meet provincial accessibility standards.”
Burrow said no decisions have been made regarding the building’s future, although council has discussed several possibilities.
One option would see the township relocate and consolidate its administrative offices at the former school, bringing services currently divided between the New Dublin Road and Toledo locations under one roof. According to the township, the move could reduce the need for costly upgrades to the existing municipal office while improving accessibility and creating more suitable space for council and public meetings.
Another option would transform the school into a community hub offering gathering spaces and programming for residents. Potential uses identified by the township include library services, recreational and fitness activities, seniors’ programming, educational workshops, after-school activities and space for professional services.
The township is also encouraging residents to propose alternative ideas for the site.
“I highly encourage residents to review all the materials available on our website and engage in this opportunity to provide us with valuable feedback,” Burrow said. “The Frankville property will likely mark a significant chapter in the Township’s history.”
Two public meetings have been scheduled at the former school:
- Monday, June 15, at 1 p.m.
- Monday, June 29, at 6 p.m.
Residents unable to attend in person can complete an online survey. Background reports, supporting materials and the survey are available at ektwp.ca/frankvilleproject.
The township says feedback gathered through the consultation process will help inform council’s decision on the future use of the property.
For more information, residents can contact Deputy CAO and Director of Finance Chuck Dowdall at 613-345-7480 ext. 211 or Administrator (CAO)/Clerk Rob Nolan at 613-345-7480 ext. 237.
SOURCE: Elizabethtown-Kitley Township.
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