100s rally to save St. Pat's-Alexandra site for community

More than 200 people rallied Sunday to save the site of a former Halifax school for community use.

Halifax regional council has voted to sell the north-end land of St. Patrick's-Alexandra school to a private developer. The school was closed last year due to low attendance.

The rally called on the council to reverse that decision and turn the property over to community groups.

Rhonda Britton, minister of the nearby Cornwallis Street Baptist Church, said the site is better suited for community use than the proposed condominium development.

"It is a prime spot for development, but I say let's develop people first. We can't keep pushing people to the fringes of this community and expect to take over with new buildings," she said.

"Who is going to occupy them? And what will be the face of this community in the future?"

Britton said she had the support of several councillors and is hoping it will be on the agenda when council meets Tuesday. She also called on supporters to "flood" City Hall Tuesday.

Micmac Friendship Centre faces shutdown

One of the groups interested in developing a community centre at the site is the Micmac Native Friendship Centre. Its current location is just down Gottingen Street from the old school and is in poor repair.

The centre's director, Pam Glode-Desrochers, said the building is old and will likely have to close its doors soon or pay for major repairs.

"We need a new building. We need a proper heating system, a new roof," she said. "We have spent $40,000 on it just trying to keep heat for the winter."

Parts of the centre have been closed because of mould.

Glode-Desrochers and other members joined Sunday's rally.