Update on Robert Bateman High School Site Proposals

May 18

Written By

MAYOR MEED WARD'S TAKE: I fully support the land exchange and long-term leases that together will ensure continued educational and community uses of Robert Bateman High School, while also protecting the long-term interests of Burlington Central High School, by transferring ownership of the track and field, driveway and part of the wall of the west building from the City into Halton District School Board (HDSB) hands.During school closure discussions several years ago, when Central was considered for closure, one of the issues raised was that the school board didn’t own all of the land/building or field. This land exchange cleans that up and helps ensure this vital downtown school will stay open to serve residents.Additionally, when Robert Bateman was closed as a high school, a personal goal -- and one shared by many in the community, including the Ward Councillor Paul Sharman -- was to ensure this building continues to serve as a community space. I want to thank Councillor Sharman for his steadfast commitment and advocacy for community uses here that will benefit the entire city.The long-term leases with Brock University and the HDSB will ensure an educational use continues here. Additional users in the building are envisioned to include an expanded library, community gym, pool (currently operated but not owned by the City) and meeting rooms. Once complete, these community uses will constitute the largest community centre in Burlington -- with room left over for more groups.The land exchange also lowers the immediate taxpayer impact by reducing the net purchase price -- and that protects our existing parkland reserves so they are available for additional potential purchases of surplus school sites or parks anywhere else in the city that may come on the market in the future.The arrangements with our partners at the HDSB and Brock University are a cost-effective, future-oriented win-win for the entire community who will use and enjoy the community and educational uses at Robert Bateman High School, while ensuring long-term stability for the ownership of Burlington Central High School.

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ADMINSTRATOR'S NOTE (May 25, 2022): The City of Burlington's intention to purchase the Robert Bateman High School site is a significant and long-term strategic matter that requires the City to continue to share as much information as we can and to make certain the public is informed enough to provide feedback. With that said, an online survey from the City had been made available to seek input into the proposed land transaction and lease arrangements -- however, the City believes more background information should be shared with residents on the City's interest in purchasing Bateman. The City has therefore decided to pause its survey while a public meeting can be arranged where staff from the City and Halton District School Board will share more information about the proposed land transaction. Meeting details will be shared and communicated to the public once they're confirmed. Once that public meeting has been held, the City will seek additional feedback from the public.

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*Please see below a news release issued by the City of Burlington.Burlington, Ont. — May 18, 2022 — The City of Burlington is looking for residents’ 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 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 High School 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.Feedback will also be sought on securing leases with the HDSB and Brock University for portions of the Bateman Site. The HDSB intends on leasing space back at Bateman for educational purposes. Brock University also seeks to lease space at Bateman for their long-term educational needs.Both leases at Bateman are expected to be long-term leases not to exceed 25 years.Burlington City Council directed staff to gather feedback from the public on these proposals. Public feedback can be provided at the City’s online engagement portal, Get Involved Burlington.This engagement opportunity will be open to Burlington residents until June 13, 2022.Following public input, staff will report back to Burlington Council with a final report and recommendations at the June 21, 2022 Council meeting.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.

Links and Resources:

—*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist

Update on Robert Bateman High School Site Proposals

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