Old Montague High School slated for demolition

With the old Montague Regional High School slated for the wrecker's ball, some people in town are wondering about future uses of the site.

Alan Maynard, director of public works and planning for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, said the building will be coming down in a few weeks and the province has issued tenders looking for a contractor to do the job.

"Within the tender documents, it's understood that the building will be demolished. The excavated hole where the building was will be filled in, topsoil and seeded out to be left as a green space," he said.

The school has been a landmark in downtown Montague for decades. It was built in the early 1960s and has received major updates over the years.

But the building has been mostly empty since a new high school opened on the edge of town.

Some local residents are disappointed the building won't be used for something else.

"I really don't know what they could do with it, but it seems a shame that it be torn down," said Norma Butler.

The school was declared surplus earlier this month. The province said it checked around with all provincial departments but no government agency expressed interest in repurposing the building.

Richard Collins, the mayor of Montague, said the building was becoming an eyesore and he's glad to see it go.

He also said the site won't remain empty.

"I believe that the premier has something in mind for that piece of property," said Collins, who would not disclose what those future plans might be.

He said a seniors complex would be a much-needed addition to the town.

"I'd be happy with a new manor for downtown Montague, 50 or 60 or 70 beds, by all means, sure," said Collins.

The province does plan to replace the existing seniors home in Montague, but said no site has been chosen.