A local buyer is interested in this old school building in the West Flat with hopes of renovating it for a new, as yet unnamed, purpose. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Dealing with derelict properties

Buyer possible for derelict old school building in West Flat

May 21, 2024 | 6:13 PM

A Prince Albert city council discussion on a derelict school building in the West Flat took an unexpected turn when the city solicitor said there might be a buyer for the property.

The discussion at the Tuesday meeting of the executive committee started out about demolishing the building at 717A MacArthur Dr., directly adjacent to the Bridge Ministry.

“It’s a complete eyesore to the neighbourhood that looks upon it and sees it every day,” said West Flat councillor Charlene Miller.

“They’re tired of children going in and out of the situation and sooner or later, something terrible is going to happen.”

She said that several fires have been lit in the brick building and two children had to be rescued by the fire department after they were trapped in the basement.

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Miller had assumed that recent markings around the building were preparation for it being taken down and was surprised to learn that instead, a local organization has plans to buy it with the deal set to close by the end of the month.

City solicitor Mitch Holash said that the bricks contain asbestos and getting rid of it would cost about $650,000.

Instead, a local organization that he did not name, has entered talks to buy it.

A demolition order was served but the building has an active, up to date mortgage. Records show the owners as a church in Saskatoon but satisfying the mortgage holder adds to the cost of doing anything to it.

“We have been working through the city solicitor’s office on a more permanent and holistic solution,” said Holash.

He described the interested party as “a rather exceptional community partner” that plans to re-purpose the building.

This owner has received funding to purchase and has a second traunch of funding available for the substantial renovations needed.

Councilor Blake Edwards welcomed the information and echoed previous comments that something needs to be done about boarded up buildings.

“This is a complete eyesore. Here we have one side of that building that is working their butts off, renovating and cleaning and making it look good,” he said.

Then we have the other side that’s just left to shambles.”

Edwards said he has been in the building many times and believes that the walls are good, but damage has been done to the rest of the building.

“It’s time to make some of these eyesores in our community go away. It’s holding the image of our community down and it’s time to get tough on them,” he said

Council and administration have been discussing ways to deal with derelict and boarded up homes, including requiring owners to get a permit before boarding up a building and then making the minimum tax $1,600.

The building was on the agenda because the minister of The Prince Albert Bridge Ministry wrote a letter of concern.

Their insurance company had told them they could lose their coverage because of the issues in the building adjacent to them.

“We also are very concerned about Prince Albert Bridge Ministry being able to renew their insurance if that building is not removed immediately as it poses a significant risk both from an increased potential physical damage loss perspective as well as the increased vandalism and crime it is drawing to your location,” the company said.

Planning and development will investigate and bring the information back to an upcoming meeting.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com