Editor's Note: PelhamToday received the following letter to the editor from largely retired Voice and PelhamToday contributor Don Rickers, whose Master's degree in Education and 35 years experience in university and private school settings give him a unique perspective on Niagara's education infrastructure and how it might be repurposed:
In light of Niagara's ongoing homelessness and addiction issues, perhaps the Region and the Province should investigate options which may be available outside of the urban cores.
One such opportunity might be a lease or purchase arrangement with small, under-enrolled boarding schools which could be repurposed. Robert Land Academy (RLA) in Wellandport springs to mind as a potential site. I wish the school no ill will, but expect that it is experiencing precariously low enrollment, exacerbated by the pandemic and government restrictions on foreign student visas, escalating private tuition costs, and legal matters which have plagued the school in recent years.
The West Lincoln facility has 168 acres, including dormitories which could accommodate a couple hundred residents, a dining hall and commercial kitchen, classrooms, and recreation facilities. Its rural location would provide a safe and spacious setting for the unhoused, as well as for the treatment of those suffering the ravages of opioids.
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees could be planted, and crops harvested. Employment opportunities could be arranged with local agricultural operations. The commune-style existence could be attractive to those eager to escape the perils of city-based hostels and shelters.
The school's board is chaired by former provincial PC leader Tim Hudak. It might be a worthwhile discussion for Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff to have with Premier Doug Ford.
Don Rickers
Waterloo, Belgium