PICTOU – People interested in developing the former Pictou Academy have until Sept. 30 to pitch the town with their ideas.
Pictou town council passed a motion Monday to accept expressions of interest on the former high school until the end of September, but it also urged people not to wait until the last minute.
“We will enter into discussions anytime with groups who think they have a viable use,” he said.
The town already held an information session where ideas were generated. Some suggestions were turning the building into a cultural or community centre while others thought it should house municipal offices.
Ryan said the town has no plans to move any municipal offices to the former school. It has budgeted about $35,000 this fiscal year for heat and regular maintenance.
The former school is currently insured by the town based on how much it would cost to demolish it. This was done in case something happened to it while it was vacant and it needed to be taken down.
Ryan said in the past that demolition would be a last option because people believe the building is more than bricks and mortar, but now it is up to residents to come forth with solid ideas for its future.
