Tearing down history

By Vicki Winger

Demolition began last Thursday on the old École St. Joseph School along 47 Street. A sad day for many as the school held years of memories: proms, dances, and graduations to name a few. More than a school, relationships developed, and friends bonded for life.

In 1962, construction on the École St. Joseph School began and was completed the next year. The building has undergone 10 restoration phases and three additions. In a statement to the Press, Living Waters Catholic Regional Division Superintendent Jo-Anne Lanctot said, “The original size of the school is smaller than the gymnasium of the new school.” Architectural information from Living Waters shows measurements of 916 m2 with a partial basement and crawl space.

“We’re sad to see it go as it served our students well. It is reassuring that we’re reclaiming old building artifacts. The stained-glass window from the old library lives on in the new École St. Joseph School. It is bittersweet to let go but great memories of students and staff remain. Grateful for the announcement of a new school back in 2014, we recognized the need for a new building,” Lanctot added.

Demolition will take three to four weeks to complete. Living Waters Catholic Regional Division owns the property. Plans for development are not definitive.