13M School Renovation Sale
- MONTREAL (AP) — Parents and students are mobilizing to protest Quebec's decision to sell the FACE School, a historic bilingual primary and secondary school in Montreal.
- As 2019, approximately $13 million has been invested in maintaining the FACE School, according to the Montreal school Service Center (CSSDM).
- The sale comes after Quebec abandoned a renovation project estimated at $375 million. the school's 1,300 students were to be temporarily housed in separate buildings, but those arrangements...
FACE School Sale Sparks Outrage, Petition Launched to Save Montreal Landmark
Table of Contents
MONTREAL (AP) — Parents and students are mobilizing to protest Quebec‘s decision to sell the FACE School, a historic bilingual primary and secondary school in Montreal. A petition has been sent to Education Minister Bernard Drainville and is circulating in hopes of reaching the National Assembly.
Millions Invested, Future Uncertain
As 2019, approximately $13 million has been invested in maintaining the FACE School, according to the Montreal school Service Center (CSSDM). The CSSDM stated it would need to continue investing about $5 million annually to maintain a safe learning environment until 2032, when the building is slated for sale.
The sale comes after Quebec abandoned a renovation project estimated at $375 million. the school’s 1,300 students were to be temporarily housed in separate buildings, but those arrangements will now become permanent.
School Board President Voices Concerns
Joe Ortona, president of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), expressed his dismay at the lack of consultation. “If we had known that it would be permanent, we would have sought other options in terms of facilities,” Ortona said Monday. He added that the government’s decision to close FACE school without consulting stakeholders was “a contempt for our rights.”
Renoviction
Denounced
More than 150 people gathered Monday morning to protest the decision, calling it a “renoviction.” Linda Lim, a retired teacher from the school, questioned the province’s priorities. “They are able to seek money for Northvolt and
FACE School sale: Your Burning Questions Answered
H2: What’s Happening with FACE School in Montreal?
Q: What is the situation with FACE School?
A: Quebec has decided to sell the FACE School, a historic bilingual primary and secondary school located in Montreal. This decision has sparked outrage among parents, students, and the community, leading to protests and a petition being launched to save the school.
H2: Why is the Sale Happening?
Q: Why is the government selling FACE School?
A: The sale of FACE School follows the abandonment of a planned renovation project. Originally, a renovation was planned, but it was cancelled. The school’s 1,300 students were temporarily housed in separate buildings during the renovation planning, but the government now intends for these temporary arrangements to become permanent, culminating in the school’s sale.
Q: What was the estimated cost of the abandoned renovation project?
A: The renovation project was estimated to cost $375 million.
H2: What are the Concerns and Consequences?
Q: What are the main concerns about the sale of FACE school?
A: Key concerns include:
Lack of Consultation: The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) president, Joe Ortona, expressed dismay at the lack of consultation with stakeholders, viewing the decision as a disregard for their rights.
Financial Investment Disregarded: Significant investments have been made in maintaining the school.
Impact on Students: The sale has potentially permanent changes in the educational arrangements for the students.
“Renoviction” Concerns: Protesters are calling the decision a form of “renoviction.”
Q: How much money has been invested in the FACE School’s maintenance?
A: As 2019, approximately $13 million has been invested in maintaining the FACE School, according to the Montreal school Service center (CSSDM).
Q: What does the CSSDM say about future maintenance costs?
A: The CSSDM stated that it would need to continue investing about $5 million annually to maintain a safe learning habitat until 2032, when the building is slated for sale.
Q: What does the School Board President think of the government’s decision?
A: Joe Ortona, the president of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), said the government’s decision to close FACE school without consulting stakeholders was “a contempt for our rights”.
H2: Who is Involved in the Protest & Petition?
Q: Who is protesting the sale of FACE School?
A: Parents, students, and community members are mobilizing to protest the sale.A petition has been launched and sent to Education Minister Bernard Drainville. More than 150 people gathered to protest.
Q: What is the goal of the petition and protests?
A: the goal is to persuade the government to reverse it’s decision and stop the sale of the FACE school, aiming to preserve it as an educational institution.
H2: Summary of Key Facts
Q: Can you summarize the key facts about the FACE School situation?
A: Here’s a fast overview:
| Feature | Details |
| —————— | ——————————————————————————————————– |
| School in Question | FACE School, a historic bilingual primary and secondary school in Montreal |
| Action Taken | Planned sale of the school by the Quebec government |
| Trigger | Abandoned $375 million renovation project |
| Financials | $13 million invested in maintenance since 2019; $5 million annual maintenance needed until slated sale |
| Reaction | Outrage, protests, petition |
| Main Concern | Lack of consultation, potential disruption to students, “renoviction” concerns |