New life for the Mindemoya old school
A century-old building in Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island, will soon get new life due to the hard work and effort of motivated residents.
The not-for-profit 'Friends of the Mindemoya Old School' (FOMOS) said Thursday that it will be signing a lease for the century-old property with the hopes of giving it new life.
"Well, we're really, really excited because last week the council for the municipality approved the 21-year-lease," said group member Allison McAllister.
The building, in the centre of town, has served as a focal point for generations. It was used as classroom space until roughly the late sixties before it was turned into offices.
It sat vacant for the last few years, and it wasn't until some people contemplated tearing it down. The group was formed in hopes of saving it.
It plans to turn it into artisan space, and a place where people can sell their wares in hopes of drawing more tourists to the island.
McAllister said community support has been nothing shy of amazing.
"We did end up with quite a large number of members, about 300, and they're all very enthusiastic about the project. We have a population density of
about 2000, and our support comes from community members who live here full-time," she said.
Supporters include Karen McKenzie, a Mindemoya woman who is also a former student of the school.
"It's just thrilling, I was born and raised here in Mindemoya, lived just up the street. I went to school here in grades one to six, my mom went here to high school, and it just means so much to me that we have saved the school," she said.
There’s no timeline on when they'll be able to complete the necessary work. And, McAllister said it could be up to three years.
The group plans on hiring an architect to help them with the changes that need to be made to the structure.
When it comes to appeal, McKenzie said it's the history.
"Actually, the work has just begun. We've saved the building, and now we have to recreate it, and we're hoping with the news that we have a lease that many people will step forward and say 'okay you've got the lease, let me help," she said.
FOMOS will solicit gifts in kind to help with the renovations while keeping costs low.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.