The Municipality wishes to inform residents of recent developments in the project.
On June 20, 2023, the Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec announced the construction of a new school in Chelsea. Following numerous exchanges between the Municipality and the Centre de services scolaires des Portages-de-l'Outaouais (CSSPO), the site targeted for construction was designated at the intersection of Chemin du Relais and Chemin Cecil. The announcement was made on September 27, 2023.
Since then, the Municipality has entered into discussions with the landowners concerned about acquiring the land according to the legal requirements for market value. Given that some of the land required for the construction of the school belongs to the Chelsea Foundation and that a soccer field is affected, the Municipality has proposed relocating it to other sites in the heart of the village center. A purchase offer respecting the fair market price was submitted to one of the landowners.
Since the adoption of Bill 40, municipalities have been required to provide school service centers with land on which public institutions will be located, free of charge. Several sites were proposed, and the current location was selected by the CSSPO.
A $4 million provision for education and the community
A provisional amount of $4 million has been set aside in the 2024-2026 three-year capital expenditure plan to acquire land not only for the new school but also for community needs.
Currently
- The Municipality is in discussion with the CSSPO to explore the possibility of the school becoming a community school, offering residents access to the facilities outside school hours, on weekends, and during the summer season.
- The Municipality is also working with the CSSPO to explore ways of reducing the amount of land required to build the school and remains committed to the process.
The new school would enable close to 350 children a year to continue their education in Chelsea. These children will be able to get to school by foot or by bike, as the new school will be located close to three major family neighborhoods. Proximity to the Meredith Centre would also open up greater possibilities for the creation of recreation agreements, providing a new venue for community services outside school.
