Former Sharbot Lake Public School Site - communal services feasibility study

This project is the first phase of planning the redevelopment of the former public school site in Sharbot Lake. The 0.8 hectare (2 acre) site is located in the heart of the village and was purchased by the Township in 2017, with the initial plan of developing the site with a 10-unit seniors apartment building. Since then, The County of Frontenac has advanced its work on future sustainable development on communal services (as opposed to all development on private wells and septic systems). If the former school site was redeveloped using communal services, there is the potential for more density (additional residential units) and mixed uses, strengthening the viability of the village, improving the economy for existing and future businesses, and allowing for a more walkable community.

In 2021, the Township secured funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for 50 percent of the cost of a feasibility study. The study will examine the feasibility of developing the site on communal services, the additional density that could be achieved on the site if communal services are used, and options for using communal services for other properties in the village.

The Township of Central Frontenac has hired Fotenn Planning and Design and Pinchin Environmental to conduct the feasibility study. The results of the study will be used to guide Council on future decisions about the redevelopment of the site. There will also be opportunities to engage with the public about the plans for the site, ensuring that input about the site from the Downtown Revitalization Project is taken into consideration.