Centre Sale Given Go Ahead

Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 16 June 2010 13:35 107.5 KISSFM:

A Vernon facility that cares for special needs adults is facing a more certain future. That after the province allowed the school district to negotiate a deal to sell the Dorothy Alexander Centre on 30th Avenue (pictured), despite a BC-wide freeze on school site sales. Vernon and District Association for Community Living president Klaus Linemayr says it will allow them to relocate some programs to the centre (located next to West Vernon school), if they can reach a deal. "We're really pleased withthe government's decision. We are now in a position to continue with our negotiations." The centre's namesake, Dorothy Alexander, says it's very positive. "The thing that really pleases me is the fact there's a lot of students who have gone to this school who still think it's theirs, and if that opportunity presents itself to become more theirs, that's excellent." MLA Eric Foster says the go ahead from the province to sell was due to special circumstances. "It's certainly a win for the school district. If the property can be sold, they certainly need the money. It's a big win for the society. They've wanted to get the property back. It traditionally was a property that was used for education and teaching for children with special needs (My School). School district officials aren't releasing how much they want for the site, but chair Bill Turanski says the "desperately needed"proceeds may be used to upgrade the school board office which is almost 40 years old.