51 Dunlop: PSS Updates

October 18, 2021 – As members of the community are aware, the Town of Penetanguishene has completed the purchase of property located at 51 Dunlop Street – the site of the former Penetanguishene Secondary School.

While the site inspections lead staff and the Town’s third-party appraiser to believe the facility is in relatively good condition, the building condition assessment report suggests that interior and exterior components of the building need extensive works completed over the next 5-10 years estimating $14,092,543 (5 years) and an additional $14,774,081 (10 years).

After careful consideration of all factors, including the sentimental value of the building, Council made the informed decision to proceed with demolition of the building costing less than $1,500,000, inclusive of pre-demolition survey and specification work, as well as contract administration.

Come Tuesday October 19^th, Budget Demolition who was recently awarded the contract, will be working in the building doing general, non-abatement related clean-up. During this time, Budget Demolition will be setting up the perimeter fencing to control access to the site.

General clean-up will take approximately two weeks to complete, with an additional 4-6 weeks to complete abatement.

“The significance of this property and memories it holds for our community members were not forgotten during this process. Town Staff did an exceptional job at hosting two PSS Memorial Walk-Throughs to allow those interested a moment to say farewell” says Mayor Doug Leroux.

This event also provided community members with the opportunity to request items from the building, that otherwise would be demolished with the structure.

“The update on item requests was astonishing. Staff received over 160 requests for items in the building. Although we did receive many duplicate requests, we are hopeful that everyone will be able to acquire at least one token of memorabilia. The rest of the contents have been offered to local charity organizations in an effort to reduce waste” says Sherry Desjardins, Director of Recreation and Community Services.

The Town will continue to work with members of the community when considering the Town’s possible next steps for the use of the property. Details and updates on future consultation in the Spring of 2022will be posted on the Town Public Notice Site and through connectpenetanguishene.ca.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jeff Lees, CPA, CGA

Chief Administrative Officer

Town of Penetanguishene

jlees@penetanguishene.ca

705-549-7453

Sarah Marshall

Communications and Technology Coordinator

Town of Penetanguishene

smarshall@penetanguishene.ca

705-549-7453

You asked we listened! Town staff has put together a second walk-through date for those wanting to revisit the prominent Penetanguishene building and take a final trip down memory lane! Date: August 25th, 2021 Time: 2PM - 8PM, the last tour will begin at 7:15. NOTE: Registration is required through an appointment timeslot to ensure social distancing throughout the walk-through. Visit: TOP.recdesk.com to register. For full details of the event, visit connectpenetanguishene.ca, email events@penetanguishene.ca or phone 705-549-7453 with additional questions.

To register for the above, please visit https://top.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=13. Once you log in to your RECDesk account, it will take you back to your profile. The event day registration can be found under the Programs tab, A Final Farewell PSS

PSS Video Project Information

The Town of Penetanguishene is inviting proposals from experienced and qualified video production service providers to create a short documentary style video commemorating the essence of what was Penetanguishene Secondary School, which was located at 51 Dunlop Street, Penetanguishene.

Scope of work required for this video production includes creative concept, scripting, production and filming details, editing, sound, supplies, services and equipment for a video capturing the closure of the Penetanguishene Secondary School building.

Sealed Proposals will be received at the Town of Penetanguishene Municipal Office located at 10 Robert Street West, Penetanguishene, Ontario L9M 2G2 until 11:00 A.M. local time on Monday, July 19, 2021. This time and date shall be the Closing Date of Proposals. Proposals submitted after the Closing Date will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Jackson, Curator/Museum Supervisor of the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives at 705-549-2150 or by email at njackson@penetanguishene.ca

If you are interested in being a part of the PSS Steering Committee, please submit the application form to Sherry Desjardins, contact information below, before July 8th, 2021 to be considered. The application form is visible on the right-side panel, under the document's header, titled Committee Application Form.

Email: sdesjardins@penetanguishene.ca

Phone: 705-549-7453 ext 216