Former Robert Bateman High School
The City of Burlington has purchased the former Robert Bateman Highschool building and greenspace.
With sustainability and community-building in mind, the City of Burlington is repurposing the existing Robert Bateman High School into a City-owned multi-purpose community-focused asset that will align with the City’s objective of being net-zero carbon by 2040. The reuse and conversion of the former secondary school will have interior renovations, exterior building changes and minor site plan modifications as part of Phase 1.
When the renovation is complete, tenants such as Brock University, Burlington Public Library, Halton District School Board, Tech Place and City of Burlington will move into the building and begin offering services.
Subscribe to this project page to be notified of important news updates and opportunities to provide input.
The City of Burlington has purchased the former Robert Bateman Highschool building and greenspace.
With sustainability and community-building in mind, the City of Burlington is repurposing the existing Robert Bateman High School into a City-owned multi-purpose community-focused asset that will align with the City’s objective of being net-zero carbon by 2040. The reuse and conversion of the former secondary school will have interior renovations, exterior building changes and minor site plan modifications as part of Phase 1.
When the renovation is complete, tenants such as Brock University, Burlington Public Library, Halton District School Board, Tech Place and City of Burlington will move into the building and begin offering services.
Subscribe to this project page to be notified of important news updates and opportunities to provide input.
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Bateman Naming Update
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWith the support of the Robert Bateman Naming Shortlist committee, the City is recommending to the Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee (EICS) on Dec. 7 the name of Burlington’s newest community centre be “Robert Bateman Community Centre.”
Thank you to everyone who provided input through the online survey and at Food for Feedback to find a name for the location.
When the submission deadline passed, a committee was formed to review the submissions and create a shortlist of names that aligned to the City’s naming policy and represented the community voice. This committee included representatives from the Advisory Committees of Heritage and Inclusion, City Council, the Indigenous Talking Circle, and City staff.
Survey results
- 221 names were received.
- 44 per cent were for Robert Bateman Community Centre (or a close variation).
- Pinedale was the second-place name with three per cent of the submissions.
The consensus of the committee was that the community has already overwhelmingly chosen the name Robert Bateman Community Centre and it would be disingenuous to poll the community again or put a short list to a vote.
Next Steps
Staff will submit a report with the name recommendation and rationale to the Environment, Infrastructure, and Community Services Committee meeting Dec. 7 and to City Council on Dec. 12, 2023.
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Request for Expressions of Interest & Visioning Summary-Next Steps
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThank you everyone who took the time to provide feedback on the new community centre’s indoor visioning or expressed interest in exclusive use of space.
Over the past three months, City staff have been busy collecting input through online surveys, in-person engagements and virtual engagement sessions.
- We received dozens of expressions of interest for the exclusive use of the indoor space.
- Three in-person visioning sessions and one virtual engagement sessions were held. 85 people attended the four sessions.
- Residents also had the opportunity to provide visioning feedback at the Appleby Line Street Festival and the Food for Feedback event. Each event was very well attended.
Indoor visioning is still accepting submissions through the “ideas” tab until Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.
Staff have started reviewing the submissions, ideas, worksheets and comments.
The next step in this process is to create staff reports that will go to Committee in January 2024. These reports will outline the community vision and the themes of the expression of interest.
Another update on the indoor programming will be posted here early in the new year.
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Public engagement opportunities for the new community centre at the former Robert Bateman High School
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe City of Burlington is ready to start two engagement opportunities related to the former Robert Bateman High School building. One is engagement on the facility name. The second is engagement on the vision for the indoor recreational and cultural services offered at our newest community centre.
These opportunities for engagement and input are only for the use of the inside of the building, and not about greenspace or parking. Input on greenspace and parking will come at a later date.
All of these opportunities and any updates will be posted on getinvolvedburlington.ca/bateman-highschool.
Indoor visioning engagement opportunities
- Aug. 22, 7 to 9 p.m. Appleby Ice Centre, 1201 Appleby Line. Registration required.
- Aug. 23, 1 to 3 p.m. LaSalle Park, 50 North Shore Blvd. Registration required.
- Sept. 16, noon to 4 p.m. Food for Feedback. Central Park, 2299 New St. No registration needed.
- Sept. 24, 1 to 5 p.m. Appleby Street Festival, Appleby Line between New Street and Fairview Street. No registration needed.
- Oct. 18, 7 to 9 p.m. Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way. Registration required.
- Oct. 19, 7 to 9 p.m. Online engagement session. Link to join is at getinvolvedburlington.ca/bateman-highschool. Registration required.
To register, email getinvolved@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7777, ext. 7965. Please include the date of the session you’d like to attend.
Name our new community centre
Help us name our new community centre at the former Robert Bateman High School site. Residents are invited to submit names and any supporting reasoning.
The names will be reviewed to ensure they meet the City of Burlington naming standards and a short-list will be created. Residents will have another opportunity to vote on their favourite name from the short-list later this year.
This opportunity is open now. Names will be collected until Sept. 18, 2023.
Reminder: Opportunity for Community Service Providers
We are also still looking for anyone interested in providing community programming with a long-term rental agreement for the exclusive use of space at the former Robert Bateman Highschool site. There is no commitment or expectation at this point. Tell us what services you can provide at getinvolvedburlington.ca/bateman-highschool by Sept. 30, 2023.
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City of Burlington looking for people or groups interested in exclusive space at former Robert Bateman high school
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe City is looking to hear from anyone interested in providing community programming at the new community centre at the former Robert Bateman high school. At this time, the City is only looking for interest related to long-term rental agreement or exclusive use of the space.
Exclusive use is different than an open gym or room where multiple service providers can quickly set up and take down equipment for different activities. Exclusive use means the area is dedicated to the service provider on a long-term rental basis instead of an hourly basis.
There is no formal commitment or expectation at this point in the process. Tell us what services you want to provide at this new community centre and fill out the form and share your interest by 4:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2023.
The building is being renovated to accommodate community partners and recreational/cultural space. The facility has approximately 21,000 square feet of space for rent, programs and user groups, as well as an additional 9000 square feet of potential temporary space available to the community.
Individuals, groups and service providers are all welcome to express their interest in the space. Following this process, a formal bidding process will be launched in 2024 with the chosen renter/service beginning in 2027. Later this year, the community will be asked about the types of recreational/cultural services or programs they would like to have within the new community centre at the former Robert Bateman high school. All of this information will ensure that the site will meet the needs of the community.
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Former Robert Bateman High School – naming and sponsorship update report
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe naming and sponsorship report is going to the Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services meeting on June 28, 2023.
Standing committee and City Council meetings are held using a hybrid model, allowing members of Council, city staff and the public the option of participating remotely or in-person at city hall, 426 Brant St. Requests to delegate to this hybrid meeting can be made by completing the online delegation registration form at www.burlington.ca/delegate, by submitting a written request by email to the Office of the City Clerk at clerks@burlington.ca or by phoning 905-335-7600, ext. 7481 by noon the business day before the meeting is to be held.
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Former Robert Bateman High School – Communication and Engagement update Report
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkFormer Robert Bateman High School – Communication and Engagement update report is going to the Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Cttee on June 1, 2023.
Read the draft Engagement and Communications Plan.
Standing committee and City Council meetings are held using a hybrid model, allowing members of Council, city staff and the public the option of participating remotely or in-person at city hall, 426 Brant St. Requests to delegate to this hybrid meeting can be made by completing the online delegation registration form at www.burlington.ca/delegate, by submitting a written request by email to the Office of the City Clerk at clerks@burlington.ca (External link)or by phoning 905-335-7600, ext. 7481 by noon the business day before the meeting is to be held.
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March 2, 2023 Update Report to the Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe report provides an update on the redevelopment and execution of the phased adaptive reuse of the former Robert Bateman High School site. The Phase 1 construction tender is anticipated to close on March 23 with a subsequent award report to Council on March 30, 2023. Parallel with this process an engagement plan will be developed to engage the public on the greenspace and future amenities needed for the park.
Standing committee and City Council meetings are held using a hybrid model, allowing members of Council, city staff and the public the option of participating remotely or in-person at city hall, 426 Brant St. Requests to delegate to this hybrid meeting can be made by completing the online delegation registration form at www.burlington.ca/delegate, by submitting a written request by email to the Office of the City Clerk at clerks@burlington.ca or by phoning 905-335-7600, ext. 7481 by noon the business day before the meeting is to be held.
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December 8, 2022 Renovation and Conversion of Robert Bateman High School Staff Presentation
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkAt the December 8, 2022 Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee meeting, there will be a presentation on the renovation and conversion of the Robert Bateman High School property. There will be community engagement in 2023 for the use of the community spaces.
This presentation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and if required after 6:00 p.m. Visit the calendar for more information. Here is a copy of the presentation.
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Redesign, adaptive re-use and costing plan proposed for former Robert Bateman High School building
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkA comprehensive staff report for the redesign of the adaptive reuse of the recently acquired Robert Bateman High School (RBHS) incorporating the results of a recent cost estimate, prepared by a third-party cost surveyor, along with a multi-year capital financing plan will be presented to the City’s Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services (EICS) committee on Dec. 8.
The City is repurposing the existing Robert Bateman High School into a multi-purpose community hub that will contribute significantly to the City’s major community facilities to accommodate future growth and will also help meet our objective of being net-zero carbon by 2040. The reuse and conversion of the former secondary school will be completed via interior renovations, enhancements and minor site plan modifications as part of Phase 1.
The total gross estimated cost of construction for phase 1 is $72.75 million, with a breakdown of costs below.
Base Building
Phase 1 Base Building Construction
$41,700,000
Design and Engineering/Other Soft Costs
$15,000,000
Total Base Building Construction Cost
$56,700,000
Recommended Energy Reduction Incentives
$5,250,000
Total Recommended Base Building
61,950,000
Optional Enhanced Energy Incentives (subject to confirmation of Senior Government funding application)
$10,800,000
Total Gross Construction Estimated Cost
$72,750,000
Along with the construction costs, staff will also present a financing plan. The financing plan proposes approximately $46 million in tax supported debt financing, with the remainder coming from non-tax supported sources which includes contributions from tenants who will be paying rent annually, and possible funding to be confirmed from the federal government.
Proposed Net Capital Financing
Tenant Direct Capital Contributions (Cash).
$7,100,000
Non-Tax Supported Debt Financing
Tenant recovery
$11,750,000
Special Circumstance Debt (SCD) Financing
$4,000,000
Tax Supported Debt Financing
$45,900,000
Senior Government Funding (subject to confirmation by Senior Government)
$4,000,000
Total Proposed Capital Financing
$72,750,000
The existing building is a two-storey, 212,000 square foot, brick-clad structure that was built in 1969, with additions completed in 1973 and 2003. The building contains community space and the Burlington Centennial Pool, which was recently renovated and will remain accessible to the community throughout the renovation.
This is a multi-phase major community investment, which will see infrastructure upgrades to build up to modern building code standards and implement net-zero carbon technologies, as well as providing space that will support future tenants on both the first and second floors. The project also will include a second phase which is the development of approximately 40,000 square feet of new City community centre space as well as new future space for community partners. The estimated cost of Phase 2 is $15 million to $20 million with the facility design to be brought back to Council following completion of public engagement.
Design features for Phase 1 include:
- Brock University educational classrooms and administration spaces.
- New expanded Burlington Library branch and programs
- New front entrance, open collaborative corridors and seating connecting the front to the rear of the facility.
- New central staircase and elevator
- Meeting room spaces
- Refreshed City operated triple gymnasium
- TechPlace Office spaces
- Halton District School Board adult program classrooms and administration spaces
Public engagement will take place in early 2023 to seek community feedback.
Quick Facts
- In June 2021, HDSB trustees approved a plan to declare the former Robert Bateman High School facility surplus to its needs and retain an interest in a portion of the facility to relocate the Burlington Gary Allan Learning Centre.
- In June 2021, the City of Burlington announced that an expression of interest would be submitted to the HDSB to purchase the Robert Bateman site through a partnership with Brock University.
- In Dec. 2021, Council provided direction to staff to submit a formal offer to purchase the Robert Bateman High School site.
- In Feb. 2022, the HDSB accepted the City’s offer to purchase the Robert Bateman High School site.
- On Feb. 3, 2022, Burlington City Council endorsed next steps to advance the potential acquisition of the Robert Bateman High School site from the HDSB.
- On Oct. 28, 2022 the City formally took ownership of the Robert Bateman property.
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City of Burlington completes deal to purchase Robert Bateman High School
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe City has completed a purchase agreement and land exchange transaction with the Halton District School Board (HDSB) involving the Robert Bateman High School property. In the agreement, the City purchased the Bateman property for $29.6 million, while the HDSB purchased a City owned property near Burlington Central High School, which includes the high school football field and running track, for $21.7 million. The difference in price of $7.9 million will be debt financed, with annual debt payments recovered from the City’s capital reserve funds.
This acquisition would push forward key objectives laid out in the City of Burlington’s 25-year strategic plan. Key pillars of this Plan include making Burlington a City that grows through attracting talent, good jobs and economic opportunity to the community.
Within the Bateman space, the HDSB will retain a long-term interest at the school to accommodate the Gary Allan Learning Centre. And as previously announced, Brock University will offer their Teachers Education and Applied Disabilities Studies Programs and will be developing professional and continuing studies specifically to the needs of Burlington.
In addition to the partnership with the HDSB and Brock University, the City has partnered with other institutions, ensuring that there is an adaptive reuse strategy for the Bateman site and to create a sustainable community hub which will include community rooms, a triple gym and the existing City pool. The Burlington Public Library will relocate its Appleby Line branch to this location to develop a place for learning and education and the relocation of TechPlace, a hub led by Burlington Economic Development, where the tech community can connect, develop and grow their business.
Public engagement will take place in early 2023 to seek community feedback on possible uses for the remaining space.
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Who's Listening
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Engagement
PS
Level of Engagement
- Inform
- Consult
Key Dates
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June 23, 2021
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageHDSB announcement declaring Robert Bateman High School facility surplus to its need and to circulate it for purchase
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June 24, 2021
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageCity of Burlington announcement regarding intention to submit expression of interest for purchase of the Bateman Campus;
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November 15, 2021
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageReport CM-26-21 providing an update on the proposed acquisition of the Bateman Campus;
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December 14, 2021
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageReport EICS 20-21: Robert Bateman Building – Preliminary Design, Environmental, Architectural and Engineering Services
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February 7, 2022
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageCity of Burlington announcement regarding Council approval of next steps for the potential purchase of the Robert Bateman High School site
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May 17, 2022
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageReport L-22/22 directing staff to proceed with public consultation on the proposed transaction and intent to sign leases with the HDSB and Brock University
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May 31, 2022- public meeting on Robert Bateman High School proposals
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stage- 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Virtual meeting, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83280943817
- Registration is not necessary
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June 6, 2022
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageCity Manager to report back on status of public consultation at the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee meeting
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June 21, 2022
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageCity Manager to report back with a detailed report and recommendations to Council
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December 8, 2022
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageA comprehensive staff report for the redesign of the adaptive reuse of the recently acquired Robert Bateman High School (RBHS) incorporating the results of a recent cost estimate, prepared by a third-party cost surveyor, along with a multi-year capital financing plan will be presented to the City’s Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services (EICS) committee on Dec. 8.
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March 2, 2023
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageUpdate report to the Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee.
Requests to delegate to this hybrid meeting can be made by completing the online delegation registration form at www.burlington.ca/delegate, by submitting a written request by email to the Office of the City Clerk at clerks@burlington.ca or by phoning 905-335-7600, ext. 7481 by noon the business day before the meeting is to be held.
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April 18, 2023
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageBateman Tender Award report to Burlington City Council for approval.
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June 1, 2023
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageFormer Robert Bateman High School – Communication and Engagement update report presented to the Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Cttee. See the document library for the appendices.
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June 28, 2023
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageFormer Robert Bateman High School - Naming and Sponsorship report to the Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee.
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August 22, 2023- Community visioning workshop
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageCommunity visioning workshop- Engagements will focus on the recreational use of the Community space at the former Robert Bateman Community Hub. The sessions will include a brief overview of the scope of the space as it relates to recreation, as well as a collaboration and brainstorm by the community of how the space can be best utilized.
- Appleby Ice Centre, 7:00 -9:00 p.m.
- RSVP required. Please RSVP your attendance to getinvolved@burlington.ca
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August 23, 2023- Community Visioning Workshop
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageCommunity visioning workshop- Engagements will focus on the recreational use of the Community space at the former Robert Bateman Community Hub. The sessions will include a brief overview of the scope of the space as it relates to recreation, as well as a collaboration and brainstorm by the community of how the space can be best utilized.
- LaSalle Park, 1:00 - 3:00pm
- RSVP required. Please RSVP your attendance to getinvolved@burlington.ca
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Sept 16, 2023- Food for Feedback
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageThe City of Burlington will be hosting Food for Feedback, a community engagement BBQ. Join us on Saturday September 16 from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Central Park, 2299 New St . Vegetarian and Halal options are available.
Note: in case of inclement weather, the event will be held indoors at the Burlington Seniors' Centre.
Attendees will receive a free lunch from a food truck, in exchange for providing feedback to the City on projects and initiatives, including the former Robert Bateman High School.
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September 24, 2023- Appleby Street Festival
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageCome by and visit the Former Robert Bateman High School booth at the Appleby Street Festival.
Appleby Line between New Street and Fairview Street. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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October 18, 2023 - Community Visioning workshop
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageCommunity visioning workshop- Engagements will focus on the recreational use of the Community space at the former Robert Bateman Community Hub. The sessions will include a brief overview of the scope of the space as it relates to recreation, as well as a collaboration and brainstorm by the community of how the space can be best utilized.
- Tansley Woods Community Centre, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
- RSVP required. Please RSVP your attendance to getinvolved@burlington.ca
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October 19, 2023- Community Visioning Workshop
Former Robert Bateman High School has finished this stageCommunity visioning workshop Virtual- Engagements will focus on the recreational use of the Community space at the former Robert Bateman Community Hub. The sessions will include a brief overview of the scope of the space as it relates to recreation, as well as a collaboration and brainstorm by the community of how the space can be best utilized.
- RSVP required. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcuqprjgtH9AwlTFwG0_NYaOQnqnbozvN
- 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
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December 7, 2023 - Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee
Former Robert Bateman High School is currently at this stageFormer Robert Bateman High School Naming Update Report. The report will be shared on this page once it is published.
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Data Analysis
this is an upcoming stage for Former Robert Bateman High SchoolThe next step in this process is to create staff reports that will go to Committee in January 2024. These reports will outline the community vision and the themes of the expression of interest.
FAQs
- What does the City of Burlington see as the benefits of the land exchange?
- What is the dollar value for the potential real estate transactions?
- Why is the City of Burlington able to potentially purchase the Bateman property?
- When will the purchase price and leases become public?
- Why is the City of Burlington negotiating a long term lease with the Halton District School Board?
- Why is the City of Burlington negotiating a long term lease with Brock University?
- Can the HDSB sell the land they purchase from the City to a developer?
- What is the status of the Gary Allan site?
- What is meant by a long term lease?
- What is the amount of space and potential uses for community use in the Bateman location?
- What is the plan for both parking and traffic at the Bateman site?
- What is the plan for the asbestos at Bateman?
- How can the City of Burlington afford the purchase and renovations of the site?
Document Library
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EICS-20-21 - Robert Bateman High School Site - Consulting Services.pdf (181 KB) (pdf)
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CM-26-21 Robert Bateman High School Surplus School Site Update(1).pdf (145 KB) (pdf)
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Staff Presentation to CM-26-21.pdf (1.13 MB) (pdf)
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Government of Ontario Regulation on Surplus School Property
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L-22-22 Update on a Real Estate Matter regarding Robert Bateman High School Acquisition - Direct to Council May 17, 2022.pdf (284 KB) (pdf)
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May 19 120 Results.pdf (152 KB) (pdf)
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Sale of Real Property Policy.pdf (80.5 KB) (pdf)
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May 31 2022 Robert Bateman Public Information Meeting Presentation (1.07 MB) (pdf)
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CM-17-22 Public Engagement Update on Robert Bateman Proposals.pdf (146 KB) (pdf)
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CM-03-22 Multi-year community investment plan 2023-2030.pdf (357 KB) (pdf)
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1. Supplemental Memo to public engagement update on Robert Bateman High School land related proposals CM-17-22.pdf (34.7 KB) (pdf)
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2. Robert Bateman Proposals Engagement - Final Project Page Results - Appendix A.pdf (167 KB) (pdf)
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3. Robert Bateman Proposals Engagement Questions and Emails for June 21 Report - Appendix B.pdf (100 KB) (pdf)
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Staff presentation to EICS-20-22.pdf (3.26 MB) (pdf)
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EICS-02-23 Former Robert Bateman High School Adaptive Reuse Update.pdf (550 KB) (pdf)
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EICS-01-23 Robert Bateman Highschool Renovation and Conversion - Tender Award.pdf (223 KB) (pdf)
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June 1 2023 Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Committee Meeting Report
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EICS-01-23 Robert Bateman Highschool Renovation and Conversion - Tender Award.pdf (223 KB) (pdf)
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RCC-14-23 Former Robert Bateman High School - Naming and Sponsorship Update .pdf (201 KB) (pdf)
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RCC-20-23 Former Robert Bateman High School - Naming Update.pdf (248 KB) (pdf)