City of Burlington to Host Public Meeting on Robert Bateman High School Proposals

*Please see below a news release issued by the City of Burlington. For a statement from Mayor Meed Ward from May 18, 2022 on this matter, please click here or the link at the end of this post under 'Related Links'.Burlington, Ont. — May 24, 2022 — The City of Burlington will host a public meeting to provide information and to seek feedback on a proposed land transaction with the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and leasing arrangements with the HDSB and Brock University for the City’s planned acquisition of the Robert Bateman High School building and property. The meeting will include senior staff from the HDSB.The meeting details are:

• Tuesday, May 31, 2022
• 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Virtual meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83280943817
• Registration is not necessary

The public meeting will involve a presentation, followed by a Q-and-A session.Following the public meeting additional feedback will be sought through the City’s online engagement portal.The City of Burlington’s intention to purchase Robert Bateman is a significant and long-term strategic matter that requires the City and the HDSB continue to share as much information as we can, and to make certain that the public is informed enough to provide feedback. A survey had been made available to seek input into the proposed land transaction and lease arrangements, however, we believe more background information should be shared with residents on the City’s interest in purchasing Robert Bateman before we seek the public’s input, so the survey was paused.The results of the survey are publicly available.The proposed transaction with the HDSB would see the City transfer ownership of approximately five acres of City owned land to the HDSB as a component of a land exchange for the Robert Bateman site. The City owned land in question is located near Burlington Central High School and includes the high school football field and running track.Securing the lands near Burlington Central High School in HDSB ownership has been consistent with the HDSB’s long term intention to continue operating Burlington Central as a school. This land exchange component will advance the City’s efforts to secure the Robert Bateman site in continued public ownership, ensuring that the Robert Bateman site is available for continued educational and community-oriented uses.Quick Facts:

• In June 2021, HDSB announced that it has declared Robert Bateman High School surplus to its needs.
• In December 2021, Council provided direction to staff to submit a formal offer to purchase the Robert Bateman High School site.
• On Feb. 3, 2022, Burlington City Council endorsed next steps to advance the potential acquisition of the Robert Bateman High School site from the HDSB.
• Shortly after, also in June 2021, the City of Burlington announced that an expression of interest would be submitted to the HDSB to purchase the Robert Bateman site through a partnership with Brock University.

RELATED LINKS:

• Mayor's Statement: Update on Robert Bateman High School Site Proposals
• Get Involved project page
• Staff Report – Public Engagement on Robert Bateman Proposals (L-22-22) – May 17, 2022
• Staff presentation regarding Robert Bateman High School surplus school site update (CM-26-21) – Nov. 15, 2021
• Robert Bateman Building – Preliminary Design, Environmental, Architectural and Engineering Services (EICS-20-21) – Dec. 14, 2021
• Government of Ontario Regulation on Surplus School Property
• Media Release - City of Burlington to submit expression of interest to purchase surplus Bateman High School site – June 24, 2022
• Media Release - City Council approves next steps for potential purchase of Robert Bateman High School site – Feb. 7, 2022

--*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor's Media and Digital Communications Specialist