Could a former high school in Amherstburg be changing hands?

There could be an ownership change pending for a local school.

There could be an ownership change pending for a local school.

Western Secondary School, which was closed by the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) in 2022 after over 50 years of service, was the subject of a post to the possible new owners’ website – the Windsor Islamic Association - that a sale could be forthcoming.

“The building is more than just an ideal home for our schools with two professional-grade gyms, science labs, sprawling grounds for outdoor activities, ample parking, and everything a thriving and growing community could wish for,” the Windsor Islamic Association posted on its website. 

Accompanying the post was the fundraising campaign, in which the association is attempting to raise $2.5 million.“We seek your continued support and urge you to help with the fundraising efforts by donating and reaching out to potential donors to support this noble cause. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in a project that will serve our community for generations to come,” the post read.

The post, now found at www.windsorislamicassociation.com/new-school, had no mention of Western as of Tuesday morning.

Greater Essex County District School Board Amherstburg/LaSalle trustee Ron LeClair said he could not comment on the matter.

Western Secondary School closed as did General Amherst High School in June 2022 with North Star High School opening in Amherstburg in Sept. 2022. The GECDSB sold the former General Amherst High School to Valente Developments, who are planning a mixed use commercial/residential development at the site at 130 Sandwich St. S. There is a possibility that Amherstburg town hall could move there, depending on a decision by the municipality.

The former Western Secondary School building was listed for sale by the GECDSB last November. They did not disclose an asking price at the time, stating the board would review offers received “and consider what may be the most attractive offer, if any.”

The public school board listed Western as being on a 26.71 hectare site. 

The single-storey building is 8,863 square metres with the original building being 8,664 square metres. According to a property fact sheet put out by the public school board on its website, there was a 27 square metre addition added in 1994 with an additional 172 square metre addition put on in 1999.

Could a former high school in Amherstburg be changing hands?

By Ron Giofu