What to do with Harrow high?

Some big decisions are coming for the newly elected Essex Town council in the coming months over what to do with the former Harrow High School.
Council received an external report from Haddad, Morgan & Associates about the costs associated with renovating the former High school, which the town previously bought from the Greater Essex County District School Board.
According to the consultant’s report refurbishing the building to its existing use could cost roughly $8.6 million dollars, due to necessary repairs to the structure, as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing work.
According to a report to council, that cost could rise to more than $10 million if the building is re-purposed as a community centre.
“Additional work would be required which includes updates in accordance with the Building Code Act, updates would be required to adhere to the current Accessibility Standards, and Asbestos removal may be required,” reads the report to council.
The option of demolition is also on the table.
Council will do a walk-through of the building in the New Year and looks to hear from residents about what they want to do with the site.
“We have a lots of hopes and dreams for recreation, but I understand as mayor this cannot cost the taxpayers money. We are running lean budgets already and we are stretched with inflation, so we have to look out of the box,” said Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy.
Bondy said the town will also consider renting space to collect revenue to help offset costs, but first needs to gauge council’s appetite for embarking on the project.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Backlog of airline complaints balloons by 6,395 since December travel chaos: Canadian Transportation Agency
The fallout from the December travel chaos continues, as the backlog of complaints made to the Canadian Transportation Agency keeps growing. As of Jan. 31, there have been 6,395 new complaints made to the agency since Dec. 21.

'Legitimately flabbergasting': MP raises concerns over government's quarantine hotel spending
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner is raising concerns over the federal government's spending on so-called COVID-19 quarantine hotels, calling the total spent on a Calgary-area hotel in 2022 'legitimately flabbergasting.'
Man spends 24 hours in Toronto Denny's after losing bet, raises almost $6K for charity
At first, Juan Delgado agreed to spend 24 hours inside a Dundas St. Denny’s as a consequence of losing in his fantasy football league.
Discovery in Canadian lab could help laptop, phone and car batteries last longer
A chance discovery in a Canadian laboratory could help extend the life of laptop, phone and electric car batteries.
Is working from home or the office better? Some Canadians weigh in
News that she'd be headed back to the office was very welcoming for English instructor Kathy Andvaag, after more than two years teaching from her “dark” and “cold” basement.
Looking to travel this spring? Here are some cost-saving tips
With the spring break travel season approaching, those looking to flee the cold, wet Canadian snow for sunnier skies will likely be met with a hefty price tag for their getaway, with inflation and increased demand pushing costs up.
Jeopardy! dedicates entire category to Ontario but one question stumps every contestant
Jeopardy! turned the spotlight on Ontario on Monday night with a category entirely dedicated to the province. One question stumped every contestant.
Loblaw ends No Name price freeze, vows 'flat' pricing 'wherever possible'
Loblaw will not be extending its price freeze on No Name brand products, but vows to keep the yellow label product-pricing flat 'wherever possible.'
Woman detained in Syria says Ottawa is forcing her to make agonizing choice in order to get her kids to Canada
A woman held in a detention camp in Syria, along with her three Canadian children, says the federal government is forcing her to make an agonizing choice: relinquish custody of her kids so they can be repatriated to Canada, or keep them in the camp where the conditions are dire. Her children are eligible for repatriation but she is not a Canadian citizen.