Ontario Construction News staff writer
Durham Regional Council has approved a request for expressions of interest (REOI) to gauge developer interest in the first phase of the Ritson School Project. The REOI aims to identify potential partners for the development and property management of the site.
An update to council on June 26 included a community needs assessment by Smart Density and LURA Consulting which highlighted key considerations including the need for affordable and market housing, childcare facilities, educational, training and recreational programs, as well as services for youth and sole-caregiver families. Opportunities for on-site public open space were also identified.
The original school structures were built in 1923 and 1928.
The proposed site is located at 300 Ritson Road South, Oshawa, and has a site frontage of 415 feet on Ritson Road South and 544 feet on Huron Street. There is a former elementary school situated on the property that was operating until 2012. The existing building is a three-story structure of masonry, brick, and block construction.
To guide the site’s development, council established principles focusing on affordable housing, urban design, public open space, phasing, placemaking, heritage preservation and climate resiliency.
A second public survey will be available this summer.
The Ritson School Project will create an inclusive, connected and age-friendly community with a mix of housing options.
Regional Council endorsed a Master Housing Strategy in November 2020 to increase the supply of affordable, community, supportive and transitional housing across the region. The strategy includes reviewing public lands for potential social and community benefits, improving housing affordability and access, protecting existing affordable housing, encouraging housing diversity, and building capacity in the housing system.
The Region of Durham purchased the Ritson School site from the Durham District School Board and took possession on Jan. 26, 2022. The site includes a former elementary school building that operated until 2012. The school was built in 1923 and expanded in 1928. Ritson Public School is designated as a site of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act.
For more information about the Ritson School Project, including details on the development principles and community needs assessment report, visit durham.ca/RitsonSchool.