Parry Sound High School Remains Closed as Permit Status Blocks Student and Teacher Access
PARRY SOUND, Ont. — The Town of Parry Sound has confirmed that the Near North District School Board has not yet applied to amend permits at the ongoing demolition site of Parry Sound High School, preventing students and teachers from entering the facility at this time.
Town officials clarified that while Parry Sound is prepared to work with the board to update the school’s occupancy status, the municipality must wait for direction from the board before any changes can be pursued. Until that process takes place, the site remains classified strictly as a demolition zone, not a public-occupancy facility.
No Clearance for Staff or Students
“As it stands right now, students and teachers are not allowed to step foot in that school for their own safety and protection,” officials confirmed. The lack of appropriate permits means the school building cannot legally or safely accommodate occupancy, and any attempt to do so would present significant safety and liability concerns.
The permit issue comes at a time when many parents, staff, and students are seeking clarity ahead of the school year. Safety at active demolition or construction sites is tightly regulated under provincial guidelines, and any change to the building’s status requires a formal process to ensure the property is secure and compliant before reopening to the public.
Awaiting School Board Direction
The Town of Parry Sound stressed its readiness to move forward with the necessary steps once the Near North District School Board initiates the process. However, at present, the board has not submitted an application to revise the permits at the high school site.
“I have reached out to the school board regarding these details and am awaiting further comment on the situation,” the town’s representative noted. The delay leaves both the town and the community in a holding pattern, waiting for confirmation on how the board intends to proceed with either the demolition work, reconstruction, or the eventual re-occupancy timeline.
Safety Concerns at the Forefront
The restrictions on access are rooted in safety concerns. Demolition and reconstruction environments carry significant risks, including unstable structures, heavy equipment operation, and the presence of hazardous materials. Provincial safety regulations are clear: public access — especially by minors and non-construction staff — is strictly prohibited unless formal occupancy permits are granted following thorough inspection and approval processes.
For parents, teachers, and students, this reality raises questions about where learning will take place in the immediate future and what the board’s long-term plan for Parry Sound High School will entail.
Community Awaits Answers
The uncertainty surrounding the high school’s future has become a growing concern for residents of Parry Sound and surrounding areas. Many are eager for updates from the school board about its next steps, particularly with the new school year approaching.
For now, the Town of Parry Sound is urging patience while reiterating its commitment to prioritize student and staff safety. “We are ready and willing to work on getting that status changed in a safe manner,” town officials explained. “But until the school board gives direction, the site cannot be opened for occupancy.”
As the situation develops, the community continues to wait for official word from the Near North District School Board.
