The former Wellington Street School may soon be the site of higher learning as a campus of Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie. The University is interested in using the second and possibly third floors of the school to offer the first two years of its Bachelor of Arts program. Final approval will be reliant upon associated project costs to renovate the school. The exciting initiative would be made possible, in part, by a generous contribution for capital funding from The Dorothy Palmer Estate. The combined efforts of the City, Algoma University and the Estate of Dorothy Palmer may bring students to university in St. Thomas as early as the fall of 2012.
The full press release from The City of St. Thomas, Algoma University and The Dorothy Fay Palmer Estate follows:
September 12, 2011
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY LOOKS TO OFFER PROGRAMS AT WELLINGTON STREET SCHOOL
The City of St. Thomas, Algoma University, and the Estate of Dorothy Fay Palmer are very pleased to announce that Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie, has expressed an interest in offering the first two years of its Bachelor of Arts program in St. Thomas at the former Wellington Street School site. While the City acquired the property earlier in 2011 as part of the parking strategy for the Consolidated Court facility project, this proposed use of the actual heritage building would be of benefit to the entire community and an excellent use of the former school.
In order to accommodate Algoma University, the City is currently seeking architectural services which would design and cost out renovation elements including an elevator for the school, the installation of accessible washrooms and the replacement of the heating system. At this very early stage in the project, the University has expressed an interest in using the second and possibly third floors. The City in turn would seek suitable tenants for the first floor of the school. The final approval for the project will be reliant upon the associated project costs. The Dorothy Palmer Estate would generously provide a contribution of capital funding.
Mayor Heather Jackson-Chapman states, “I along with the entire City Council are very pleased with Algoma’s interest in the City and the possibility of this wonderful reuse of Wellington Street School made possible in part through the Dorothy Palmer Estate”.
Andrew Gunn, Trustee of the Estate of Dorothy Palmer, remarked on the project this way: “When Algoma University begins to offer programming in St. Thomas, the impact will be tremendous. A lively student population will contribute greatly to our local economy and culture. Given that Dorothy Palmer was a teacher and had a lifelong interest in education, I feel that this is a terrific initiative for the Estate to support. It has been inspiring to witness the enthusiasm for this proposal demonstrated by our political leaders in St. Thomas and by Dr. Myers and others at Algoma University.”
Dr. Richard Myers, President of Algoma University, noted that "for students from a city like St. Thomas, the most expensive part of getting a university education is not the tuition fees; it's the cost of living in residence or of maintaining an apartment. Thanks to the leadership shown by the City, and by Mr. Gunn, students from the St. Thomas area will now have an opportunity to complete two years of university study while living at home."
In order to accommodate students in the fall of 2012, the combined efforts of the City, Algoma University and the Estate of Dorothy Palmer will see the design and planning of this project unfold quickly with further decisions to be made later this fall based on forthcoming cost estimates.
For further information contact:
The City of St. Thomas
Mayor H. Jackson-Chapman,
mayor@city.st-thomas.on.ca,
(519) 631-1680 X4131
Algoma University
Dr. Richard Myers, President
president@algomau.ca
(705) 949-2301
The Dorothy Fay Palmer Estate,
Mr. Andrew Gunn, Trustee
(519) 637-3597
September 12, 2011
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY LOOKS TO OFFER PROGRAMS AT WELLINGTON STREET SCHOOL
The City of St. Thomas, Algoma University, and the Estate of Dorothy Fay Palmer are very pleased to announce that Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie, has expressed an interest in offering the first two years of its Bachelor of Arts program in St. Thomas at the former Wellington Street School site. While the City acquired the property earlier in 2011 as part of the parking strategy for the Consolidated Court facility project, this proposed use of the actual heritage building would be of benefit to the entire community and an excellent use of the former school.
In order to accommodate Algoma University, the City is currently seeking architectural services which would design and cost out renovation elements including an elevator for the school, the installation of accessible washrooms and the replacement of the heating system. At this very early stage in the project, the University has expressed an interest in using the second and possibly third floors. The City in turn would seek suitable tenants for the first floor of the school. The final approval for the project will be reliant upon the associated project costs. The Dorothy Palmer Estate would generously provide a contribution of capital funding.
Mayor Heather Jackson-Chapman states, “I along with the entire City Council are very pleased with Algoma’s interest in the City and the possibility of this wonderful reuse of Wellington Street School made possible in part through the Dorothy Palmer Estate”.
Andrew Gunn, Trustee of the Estate of Dorothy Palmer, remarked on the project this way: “When Algoma University begins to offer programming in St. Thomas, the impact will be tremendous. A lively student population will contribute greatly to our local economy and culture. Given that Dorothy Palmer was a teacher and had a lifelong interest in education, I feel that this is a terrific initiative for the Estate to support. It has been inspiring to witness the enthusiasm for this proposal demonstrated by our political leaders in St. Thomas and by Dr. Myers and others at Algoma University.”
Dr. Richard Myers, President of Algoma University, noted that "for students from a city like St. Thomas, the most expensive part of getting a university education is not the tuition fees; it's the cost of living in residence or of maintaining an apartment. Thanks to the leadership shown by the City, and by Mr. Gunn, students from the St. Thomas area will now have an opportunity to complete two years of university study while living at home."
In order to accommodate students in the fall of 2012, the combined efforts of the City, Algoma University and the Estate of Dorothy Palmer will see the design and planning of this project unfold quickly with further decisions to be made later this fall based on forthcoming cost estimates.
For further information contact:
The City of St. Thomas
Mayor H. Jackson-Chapman,
mayor@city.st-thomas.on.ca,
(519) 631-1680 X4131
Algoma University
Dr. Richard Myers, President
president@algomau.ca
(705) 949-2301
The Dorothy Fay Palmer Estate,
Mr. Andrew Gunn, Trustee
(519) 637-3597
Wellington Street Public School 2011 (R.E.)
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