The aging school in Trenton which is located on Sixth Street. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentTRENTON – Pictou Centre MLA Danny MacGillivray released a few statements on Nov. 18 regarding the situation in Trenton, where residents were expecting to see work begin on a new school by now, in time for the start of 2027-28 school year. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentFolks in the area are disappointed the government will not be following through on their original intent to have a new school, replacing Trenton Elementary and Trenton Middle schools, by September of 2027. They have organized and held rallies to have their voices heard on the concerns. MacGillivray attended a recent gathering at the school to try and address a few of those concerns and did so again in the release. Article contentArticle contentArticle content“There has been quite a bit of community discussion about a replacement school for the existing Trenton Elementary and Trenton Middle schools. The existing schools were built in 1966 and 1925, and there is no question that they are reaching the end of life,” MacGillivray said in the release. Article content“That is why the province announced a new, replacement school for Trenton in June 2023. At that time, the province said that the new school would open in September 2027. The process of selecting a site for any new school is set out in the Education Act and guided by regulations.” Article contentNoting the same process has been in place since 2019, the release outlines the stages and how the current situation is reflected. MacGillivray listed those. Article content“The first stage is to determine if the new school can be built on the same property. In this case, it cannot. The next stage is to determine if there is any potential provincial crown land that would be suitable. In this case, there is not. The third option is to look for any suitable municipal lands that might be a possibility. This is where we are with the Trenton school.”Article contentArticle contentHe expanded on the third option and a possible location. Article content“There is land on Park Road between the rink and Trenton Park that is suitable. There has been testing completed on the site (geotechnical, topographic, and site fit investigation). The only test remaining is the videoing of the existing sewer line, which is scheduled and being coordinated with the Town of Trenton,” MacGillivray said. Article content“If the land passes these tests, then the next step is to negotiate a price to purchase the land from the municipality. The municipality has been a good partner through the process and sees value in a new school, and we expect that the negotiations will be fair and timely. Article contentIf the land is suitable and a price can be agreed upon, then the province will make site recommendations to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood for approval. Following that, a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to design and build the new Trenton school. Article content“Our expectation is to see this RFP issued before the end of calendar 2025, with a new school built as soon as possible.” Article content The existing schools date back to 1925 and 1966. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle content
Pictou Centre MLA on Trenton school situation
