The province of Ontario has approved funding for a new downtown high school that would combine the student populations of QECVI and KCVI.

We are calling upon Kingston Municipal Council to enter into discussions with the Limestone District School Board to locate the new school on the southwest corner of the Memorial Centre grounds.

The Memorial Centre offers ample public space for a new school and for continued public use to the benefit of the community - everyone in our community. We owe our students both now, and in the future, access to the best learning facilities and programming we can offer.

This area in question is currently populated by old, and infrequently used barns and is of sufficient size to allow for the construction of a school with the same footprint as Holy Cross Secondary School.  The entire school can be built without infringing on the existing green space, and the redevelopment of the field area would increase the effective amount of park space in Williamsville for community groups as well.

Additionally, the location is proximate to numerous bus routes (2, 4, 501, 502, 16, 18), has ample parking both on street and on site, is close to various stores and restaurants, and with the recent renovations to the arena and pool, offers ample athletic, extra-curricular and phys. ed opportunities. To round out the school facilities, a brand new school would allow the development of a complete suite of applied programming, shop classes, as well as new art space.

We as a community have heard nothing but claims as to what will be lost if a new school is built. It is time for us to start thinking about what we will gain. We have the oportunity to build the school our children need, we must make it a reality.

Sign the petition and lend your voice. Our children deserve the best education we can provide.