By Barb McKay

The Municipality of Kincardine will allow Elgin Market Public School (EMPS) to use a municipally-owned adjacent lot if it will mean keeping the school open.

Deputy mayor Anne Eadie made the suggestion at last Wednesday’s council meeting to offer use of the land on Princes Street to the Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) for overflow parking, buses and an additional playground for EMPS. Eadie told council that a lack of space for future growth is why the school board is even considering closing the school. With more families moving into the south end of the municipality, the student population at EMPS, which is already at 95 per cent capacity, is expected to grow.

The possible school closure is just one option that was voiced by the Accommodation Review Committee (ARC) that was appointed to look into options to deal with student capacity issues in Kincardine schools. The committee has held two public meetings and is expected to make a recommendation to the BWDSB on March 30.

“I really think it’s imperative that we take this action and send a letter (to the school board) to let them know that we support allowing them to use the adjacent land,” Eadie said.

Council wholeheartedly agreed, and mayor Larry Kraemer suggested that a letter also be circulated in the community to inform the public.

“We want them to know that closing a school in Kincardine won’t be the easiest thing to do,” he said.

Eadie noted that ARC is also asking the school board for a 30 day extension to submit its recommendation. The next public meeting is scheduled for March 3 at 7 p.m. at Huron Heights Public School.