Next steps are being considered for the Ritson School Project in Oshawa, according to a report from regional staff. This phased redevelopment will create a community with a mix of affordable and market-rate housing.
The proposed project includes 660 units, with at least 30 per cent being affordable. About 500 units in four blocks will be released through Request for Proposals (RFP) under a long-term lease model, as outlined in the report.
The update comes after a Community Needs Assessment, prepared by Smart Density and Lura Consulting, had suggested affordable housing and childcare for the Ritson School Project in Oshawa that was presented to Regional Council on June 26, last year (see below).
According to regional officials, the Ritson School building will be restored into a community hub with new public open spaces. Stabilization, remediation, detailed design, and future capital work will need to be completed by the region before the building can be reused as a community hub.
Fate on February 26
Council will consider these recommendations at the regional council meeting on February 26. The report is subject to approval and includes a request for funding for work on the Ritson School building and surroundings.
According to regional staff, the approach is to have new mixed-market housing by the private or non-profit sectors through a competitive process. An RFP for the vacant land surrounding the school building will be released in spring.
The site is expected to have new publicly accessible open spaces designed with community use in mind, according to project details.
The Region of Durham purchased the Ritson School site from the Durham District School Board and took possession on January 26, 2022. The site includes a former elementary school building that operated until 2012. The school building was originally built in 1923 and expanded in 1928. The Ritson Public School is designated as a site of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The former Ritson School property, located at 300 Ritson Road South, Oshawa, has been identified as an opportunity to help meet the current and future needs of residents through community programming and by providing affordable and market-rent housing, as stated in the report.
For more information about the Ritson School Project and to get involved, visit durham.ca/RitsonSchool.
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