Faust NLC building faces uncertain future
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
The future of the Northern Lakes College Faust campus is very cloudy following a decision by NLC to close it and attempt to sell.
“The board of governors has approved the closing of Faust campus,” writes NLC president Rick Neidig Jan. 4 to Faust Community League president Patsy Campiou.
“We appreciate the significance of the college facility to the community, but unfortunately it is far too large for our needs, costs are increasing as it ages and student demand is too low,” writes Neidig.
As a result, it is not viable for NLC to operate and/or maintain the facility, which was formerly Carole Bannister School.
“In considering the Faust decision we did note that the Royal Purple hall in Faust appears to be suitable for large community events,” writes Neidig.
He stressed the decision was purely a budget decision, not one based on programming needs.
“The college remains committed to offering programs in the immediate region,” says Neidig. “In the event that Faust student demand returns to higher levels in the future, the college will evaluate the demand and locations available for delivery at that time.”
In his letter, Neidig dangled a carrot in front of the M.D. of Big Lakes, which they discussed at their Jan. 11 meeting.
“The college would be pleased to transfer the Faust property for a nominal sum if another local government organization stepped up to own and operate the building,” he says.
Since the M.D. is the only other local government, the reference was obvious.
“They are hoping the M.D. might take it over,” says Faust Councillor Violet Campiou. “I can’t see it. It takes big bucks to run it each year.”
Council agreed noting it probably would not be in their best interest to operate the building.
However, Joussard Councillor Guy L’Heureux had a suggestion.
“Get rid of that school and subdivide it,” he says.
Reeve Alvin Billings suggested taking a more cautious approach.
“We have to find out what we’re talking about,” he says, referring to operating costs.
One suggestion was to tear down most of the building but leave the gym, but that would incur further study to see if it was possible.
Violet Campiou says the gym is well used for floor hockey, volleyball and other youth programs.
“The community league can’t afford to run it,” she says.
Council tabled the matter for further investigation and study.
Neidig adds in his letter it is NLC’s intention to list the building for sale on the open market by the end of February.
“We will be contacting the M.D. of Big Lakes to ascertain whether there is any interest from the M.D. prior to listing,” writes Neidig.
NLC is also terminating the Jan. 25, 2002 Faust Campus Agreement effective July 4. Years ago, NLC and the M.D. entered into an agreement along with the Faust Community League to leave the building open for community programming and other uses.
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