East Ferris wants something done with former school

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St. Thomas D’Aquin, located off Village Road in Astorville was sold on March 22, 2017 via a government auction for almost $500,000. 

Mayor Pauline Rochefort, who wasn’t mayor at the time of the sale, said she understands it was a cash transaction from Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord to a party from the Greater Toronto Area. 

“From informal discussions with citizens, the community was delighted to learn of this transaction, and in particular to a buyer who seemed to have the financial wherewithal to develop the property,” she told The Nugget.

Rochefort said the municipality, some citizens and members of the business community made several attempts to work with the new owners. 

“Unfortunately, these attempts did not lead to concrete results, but not for lack of effort on the part of East Ferris,” she said. 

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Seven years later the condition of the building and property has only worsen. 

“They did nothing with the property, and in 2023 they listed it for sale. It was then purchased by (North Bay businessman) Jimmy Kolios who is now pursuing the property’s development.” 

Email sent to Kolios wasn’t returned by deadline.

Rochefort said it’s not just residents who are “concerned” about the condition of the property. 

She said the municipality hasn’t received any formal complaints, but in the same breath, Rochefort said East Ferris was and is concerned about the condition of the property. 

“Again from informal discussions with neighbors and citizens, I think it’s fair to say that “everyone wants to see the development of the property.”   

Rochefort said the Municipality of East Ferris has made development of the property a priority for 2024.