City Council is considering giving the Grandview Lodge building and property to Matawa First Nations.
It would be used to develop a First Nation high school and residence for students from those communities.
Councillor Iain Angus says this initiative could really help keep young people safe.
“When Grandview Lodge become open and we put it on the market and quite frankly there was a real lack of interest by the private sector, we began to search around for other partners and Matawa was one of the obvious ones.”
#Tbay @CityThunderBay to consider transferring former Grandview Lodge to @MatawaFNM to use as Student Education & Care Centre. pic.twitter.com/cOvZwKIusS
— @country105news (@Country105News) August 22, 2017
“It’s a unique opportunity, cities don’t normally have vacant buildings that can house 100 students, it all worked out and Council has been very supportive going forward.”
The CEO of Matawa First Nations Management is pleased with the proposal.
David Paul Achneepineskum says the building would suit their needs.
“We will be able to have more opportunity for our students to succeed, and graduate from high school,” Achneepineskum says. “We expect more graduates, hopefully by June of 2018.”
Achneepineskum says the plan is to have the school open later this year.
Council will vote on the proposal at next week’s meeting. (File Photo)