News Release

No appeal of St. Patrick’s Alexandra site ruling,
Council repeals disposal practice

(Tuesday, October 30, 2012) - HRM will not appeal the Sept. 24, 2012 ruling of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia regarding the process used in the sale of the surplus St. Patrick’s Alexandra school site.

Council also voted to repeal the practice of selling surplus school properties that was passed as policy on Jan. 31, 2012, and then approved use of a new process to dispose of the St. Patrick’s Alexandra school site.

“There is nothing to be gained by appealing the Supreme Court decision or in continuing to support a practice that was seen to deny fair process to community interests,” said Mayor Peter Kelly. “The new process establishes clear requirements for proponents and a clear evaluation process for staff and Council.”

Under the newly approved process, HRM will conduct public consultation before staff informs community groups of an opportunity to submit written proposals for the use of the properties. The proposals will be reviewed by staff and Council before determinations are made on the disposal of school sites.

Staff will also develop a comprehensive approach for disposal of all future surplus properties. The draft policy will come back to Council for consideration.

The declassified staff report, including the new disposal procedure, will be posted at:

http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/121030-rc-agenda.html

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Contact:

Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010