Sarnia council has asked for a report outlining the economic and social impacts a potential school closure would have on the surrounding community. The report for SCITS and St. Clair Secondary School sites will compile existing information to meet the tight deadline of coming back to council March 21st.
Councillor Anne-Marie Gillis was pleased council had come forward and shown that the institution is a vital part of the community.
"Those assets are vital to our community plan. Especially when you look at that auditorium, alone in itself, but then you have the pool, the tech centre, and it goes on and on."
Meanwhile, Councillor Matt Mitro voted against the motion for a report, stating he doesn't believe it's an effective use of city resources. He believes the city should focus on increasing student enrollment numbers instead.
"We know the school board is struggling with not enough students and not enough money, because the province has now cut back their funding for under utilized schools, and we don't have any ability to help them in that matter."
Council was told Monday that SCITS could potentially be saved if it's designated as a heritage site.
A second Accomodation Review Committee meeting is to be held at SCITS on March 8th, ahead of the Lambton Kent District School Board vote in April.
