Windsor buys vacant school to increase housing [Video]

The City of Windsor’s recent purchase of a west-end school was driven by the need for more housing and the desire to prevent another vacant space from becoming a crime hotspot, according to one councillor.

The former St. Michael’s Adult High School, located at 477 Detroit St., was purchased by the city this past September.

At the time, provincial legislation required school boards to first offer properties to preferred entities, including local municipalities, before listing them publicly.

According to west-end Coun. Fabio Costante, several schools and public institutions in Windsor have been acquired by private buyers, some of whom have failed to make “good public use” of the spaces.

“These are all important parcels of property that are sitting vacant and rotting in our community,” said Costante.

The city’s ultimate goal is to convert the site into housing. Costante added there was another key reason for purchasing the property.

“We’ve …