Kingsville mulls bid to buy former high school

The former Kingsville District High School seen in Kingsville, Ont. on Jan. 18, 2026. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

The Town of Kingsville is eyeing another shot at acquiring a shuttered school property.

Council is set to debate Monday whether to make a bid to buy the Kingsville District High School (KDHS) property, which includes Migration Hall.

Earlier this month, the Greater Essex District School Board listed KDHS and the old Kingsville Public School buildings for sale.

Mayor Dennis Rogers has advocated for the town to purchase the school property, if available at the right price, since they closed in 2024.

“Whatever goes there, they’re going to be a part of the fabric and the landscape of our downtown community and our town as a whole for a long time,” Rogers told CTV News.

Because provincial planning guidelines limit a municipality’s ability to shape private land developments, Rogers said the town’s ownership would help “control the narrative.”

Kingsville previously submitted an expression of interest for KDHS and Kingsville Public School, but it was denied by the province.

“So, this report comes forward just to direct the bid. We’re not talking about any dollars, because obviously we don’t want to share dollars if we do put a bid in,” Rogers explained.

Bids for the high school property close on Feb. 6.

Located in the town’s core, Rogers’ vision for the property includes new housing and a municipal building.

According to a staff report, the town’s Property Acquisition & Development Reserve includes about $3.9 million. The report goes on to note that the full cost of owning and redeveloping the property, as well as its condition, remains unknown.

“We understand that [with] our $25 million tax base, there’s only so many dollars to go around. So, obviously we’re going to be responsible,” the mayor said.

If the town’s bid is successful, Rogers said the purchase price will come to a public council meeting where the decision will be debated before moving forward.