The redevelopment of the former Queen Elizabeth School site is moving forward to the next stage following a special Council meeting held on Monday, March 24.
County Council agreed to enter into a public-private partnership with New View Holdings Inc. for the redevelopment of the property located at 35 Barker Street in Picton.
“We established housing, particularly affordable housing, as our number one priority,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says. “This project, in the heart of our largest settlement area, promises to make an incredible difference in the lives of many. We look forward to this redevelopment moving forward with continued input from the community and service agencies.”
The New View Holdings’ proposal — which Council supported in principle in November 2024 — will result in 198 new residential units over two phases with 50 per cent offered as affordable housing and 50 per cent at market rates. There will also be a 22,500 square foot community hub for use by local service agencies, a green amenity space, and a playground.
At the special meeting on March 24, County Council approved a framework to implement the public-private partnership with New View Holdings Inc. That framework includes several agreements that address the short and long-term obligations of both parties and facilitate the next steps of this project, including public consultation, detail design, Planning Act approvals and, ultimately, construction and operation. Click here to view the meeting agenda and the supporting documents.
New View has agreed to a consultation process that will include a facilitated charette or visioning session with stakeholders from the neighbourhood and various community representatives. This work will influence the design of the project including elements such as streetscaping, landscaping, architectural design, arrangement and location of amenities such as the playground, community garden and greenspace, and more. New View will provide regular updates and inform Council when key milestones are reached in the development and construction process.
Background on redevelopment project
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) declared the school surplus to its needs in 2018. After a federal grant was denied in 2023 to re-develop the site for affordable housing and a community hub, the municipality decided to purchase the 1.8-hectare property, located at 35 Barker Street in Picton, from the school board.
The objectives of the redevelopment project are to come closest to the original community vision for the site including:
- Providing as many affordable housing units as possible, with affordability as defined in the County’s Municipal Housing Project Facilities By-Law
- Creating a community hub, similar to the original vision, for local organizations
- Allowing the municipality to recoup its investment in the property (approximately $1.5 million)
- Being positioned to move forward with the redevelopment as quickly as possible
Click here to learn more about the redevelopment project.
If you have questions or require further information, please contact Adam Goheen, Director of Housing, at 613.476.2148 extension 2509 or email agoheen@pecounty.on.ca.