A former elementary school in Chatham could soon be reduced to rubble.
A report to council Monday night, calling for the demolition of the former St Agnes Catholic School on Croydon Street, including the entire school and the gymnasium.
The property was purchased by Indwell to create more affordable housing in June, 2021, however when federal funding for the project fell through, the former school was eventually sold to the municipality in August, 2024.
The original plan was to tear down the school building, but leave the newer gymnasium to prepare for future development.
However, municipal officials now say it would be more cost effective to demolish both the school and gym, adding roughly $24,000 to the cost of the project. Funding for the demolition has already been approved as part of the 2025 Capital Budget Update.
“The decision to demolish the entire school, including the gymnasium will reduce one-time and ongoing costs/risks as well as open development opportunities without the constraint of the existing gymnasium structure being located near the centre of the property,” the report to council reads.
A report on affordable housing development options will be coming to council at a future meeting.
