A recent study by the Public Schools Branch in Prince Edward Island has recommended the closure of Parkside Elementary School, one of Canada’s oldest schools, due to significant ongoing challenges with air quality, heating, and maintenance. The 27-page report suggests that the school’s heritage status would make it difficult to upgrade, and instead proposes building a new school to accommodate up to 750 students from kindergarten to Grade 9. The new school could be located along the East-West Corridor, a new artery road being built through the City of Summerside, which is expected to experience significant growth and development in the coming years.
Summerside Mayor Dan Kutcher, who recently toured the school, described it as “physically, structurally probably not fit for teaching” due to various physical issues, including leaking water and loud HVAC machines that had to be turned off during the day. The report also outlines options to address overcrowding, including adding classrooms, rezoning students, and potentially moving Grades 7-9 out of Miscouche Consolidated.
The proposed closure of Parkside Elementary has sparked concerns in the community, with Liberal Opposition Leader Hal Perry stating that families are facing the possibility of closure without proper consultation or information. Premier Rob Lantz has assured that no decisions will be made without full consultation with the school community, and has expressed his commitment to investing in Island schools and providing students with the best possible facilities.
Public consultation on the proposal will continue until June 2, with school board trustees ultimately having the final say on what happens. The issue has been discussed in the provincial legislature, with Perry asking Lantz to guarantee full and transparent consultation with the school community before any decisions are made. Lantz has confirmed that no decisions will be made without such consultation, and has emphasized the importance of investing in Island schools to provide students with quality education and facilities.
The proposed new school would address significant enrollment growth expected in the Greater Summerside Area over the next few years, with the East-West Corridor identified as a potential location. The area is expected to experience significant development, with over 2,000 homes expected to be built on 3,000 acres of land. The new school would provide a modern and suitable learning environment for students, addressing the current challenges faced by Parkside Elementary.