NNDSB still using Widdifield building
The former Widdifield Secondary School may not be home to any students right now, but it’s still in use by the Near North District School Board.
A ‘Capital Updates’ report to the board from Craig Myles, Director of Education, says the Ski Club Road building is home to several departments that can’t be accommodated elsewhere.
They include:
- Maintenance, Grounds, Electrical and Plumbing
- Classroom Resource Centre
- Health and Safety Department
- Director’s Satellite Office
- Communications Department
- Storage
- Shipping and Receiving
An initial Ministry of Education (MOE) property inventory in 2023 also identified Widdifield as under review for possible student accommodation needs in the next ten years.
The board says plans to transfer additional departments, and/or staff and students to the former school will resume when other board priorities have been finalized.
Myles’ report says it was not identified for disposal as part of the 3:2 consolidation in North Bay and has not been identified as surplus to the board.
“In order to offset operational costs, NNDSB continues to secure leases, support community endeavours and not-for-profit charitable organizations,” states the report. “NNDSB will continue to lend a helping hand to community organizations pending any final decision on the future of the former Widdifield site.”
Officials say the North Bay Consolidation Committee continues to meet and will keep the board updated.
The same report states the proceeds of the disposition of E.W. Norman and E.T. Carmichael public schools went to the Parry Sound build funding commitment.
Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
