Old Wakefield School

25/01/2026

🌟 Happy New Year 2026, Wakefield! 🌟

Thank you to everyone who continues to care about the Wakefield Old School and its future. We truly appreciate the community’s interest and support.

We are continuing to work with our architect on the design, with a focus on preserving the character of the old school, respecting Wakefield’s village identity, and helping address the local rental housing shortage.

Our design is based on a loft-style living concept, inspired by Wakefield’s outdoor lifestyle — including practical mudrooms and flexible living spaces.

We are currently in the process of applying for 12 loft-style residential units within the existing school building.

🔐 During the consulting phase, surveillance cameras have been installed on this private property to help protect the building and ensure site safety.

💬 We welcome your thoughts and suggestions — feel free to reach out.
✨ Concept images coming soon.

Call now to connect with business.

23/09/2025

hey folks! any develpment has its speedbumps.... we were at the school yesterday as we hired experts to help us locate the wells but they could not find them. please ping us if you have info on their general location! we are trying to move along development as fast as possible... thank you!

09/09/2025

02/09/2025

Interpretation of the email from the city zoning and planning department, what it means to the community:

Before: Under the old zoning (Rb-605), there was more ambiguity — the site had been a school, some people thought it could still be community space, cultural use, or “open to the public.”

Now: With the new Urban Plan (81-2025) and the draft zoning by-law (113-2025, H-019 grid), the land is strictly private residential.

That means no public uses are permitted (no community centre, no cultural club, no open gathering place).

Legally, the site is treated like any other private home development land.

Access: The public no longer has any reason or right to enter the property. Visiting the land like before (walking, exploring the schoolyard, using it as a hangout) is trespassing.

THE OLD WAKEFILED SCHOOL OFFICIALLY GONE!

28/08/2025

I would like to share the email that I just got from the head of the Planning Department of Le Pache:

Good morning,

After verification, it appears that the information transmitted to the real estate broker comes exclusively from Zoning By-law 03-429 , since the specifications grid (tables 25 and 25.1 – zone Rb-605) stems from this by-law, more precisely from the zoning plan attached to it.

However, the Municipal Council gave notice of motion on June 2 to adopt draft by-law number 113-2025 relating to zoning . Under section 114 of the Act respecting land use planning and development (LAU) , as soon as a notice of motion is given in the context of an amendment or replacement of a zoning by-law, no municipal authorization may be issued for work, interventions or uses that would be prohibited by the by-law being adopted.

Consequently, certain uses currently permitted by grid Rb-605 (of regulation 03-429) can no longer be authorized, because they would be prohibited under the new grid H-019 contained in draft regulation 113-2025. To facilitate understanding, both grids are attached to this communication.

Furthermore, as Mr. Jalloul Salah indicated in his correspondence of July 8, 2025:

"... However, according to the new Urban Planning Plan 81-2025 , declared compliant with the SADR on May 21, 2025, the school land is located in a residential zone, where non-residential uses are considered incompatible . I invite you to consult the Use Compatibility Grid number 2 of the Urban Planning Plan for this purpose."

Urban Planning Plan 81-2025 is available at the following address:

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this exchange with the real estate broker may have caused. Please be assured that steps will be taken to ensure clear and complete information is provided to all applicants, particularly during this regulatory transition period.

Please accept our distinguished greetings,

*****ENGLISH FOLLOWS*****

Hello,

After verification, it appears that the information provided to the real estate broker comes exclusively from Zoning Bylaw 03-429 , since the specifications grid (Tables 25 and 25.1 – zone Rb-605) is derived from this bylaw, more specifically from the zoning plan attached to it.

However, on June 2, the City Council gave notice of a motion to adopt draft bylaw number 113-2025 relating to zoning . Under section 114 of the Land Use Planning and Development Act (LAU) , once a notice of motion is given in connection with an amendment or replacement of a zoning bylaw, no municipal authorization may be issued for work, interventions, or uses that would be prohibited by the bylaw being adopted.

consequently, certain uses currently permitted under grid Rb-605 (of Bylaw 03-429) can no longer be authorized, as they would be prohibited under the new grid H-019 contained in draft Bylaw 113-2025. For ease of understanding, both grids are attached to this communication.

Furthermore, as Mr. Jalloul Salah indicated in his correspondence dated July 8, 2025:

"...However, according to the new Urban Plan 81-2025 , declared compliant with the SADR on May 21, 2025, the school grounds are in a residential zone, where non-residential uses are considered incompatible . I invite you to consult the Urban Plan's Use Compatibility Grid No. 2 for this purpose."

The 81-2025 Urban Plan is available at the following address: Consult le plan d’urbanisme 81-2025

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or confusion that this exchange with the real estate broker may have caused. Rest assured that measures will be taken to ensure that information is communicated clearly and completely to all applicants, particularly during this period of regulatory transition.

Sincerely,

Following the notice of motion announcing the amendment or replacement of a zoning by-law, no municipal authorization may be granted for interventions, works or uses which would be prohibited if the new by-law came into force.

a-19.1 – Law on planning and development – art. 114

Nicolas Girard

Head, Urban Planning and Environment Department

23/08/2025

I got over 10 reactions on one of my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

20/08/2025

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

19/08/2025

🌟 Community Update: Old Wakefield School 🌟

We know there’s been a lot of talk, questions, and even misunderstandings about the future of the old Wakefield school. Some people believe it can still be used as a school, community center, or cultural space, but the reality is that the municipality has changed the zoning to residential only. That means those uses are no longer allowed unless the zoning is changed again.

Because of this confusion, we have written to the Municipality of La Pêche to ask for clear written confirmation of:

the current residential zoning,

the fact that the building cannot be lived in safely without major renovations to meet residential standards, and

the proper process for redevelopment.

Unfortunately, the lack of clarity has led to rumors, frustration, and even anger directed at the property owner, which is not fair. Even some media reports, like the recent article in The Low Down, have added to the confusion by suggesting uses that are not legally possible.

We are sharing our letter openly with you today because we want everyone to see the steps being taken to clear up the misunderstanding. Once we receive the municipality’s reply, we will also share it publicly so that the facts are clear for all.

Our goal is simple: to move forward responsibly, within the rules, while respecting the history and meaning this property holds for Wakefield.

The following is the letter if you are interested in the full version:
10051233 Canada Inc.

20, chemin des Caves
La Pêche, QC J0X 3G0
August 18, 2025

To:
Municipality of La Pêche
Planning and Development Department

Dear Nicolas:

I am writing on behalf of 10051233 Canada Inc., the owner of the property located at 20 chemin des Caves, Wakefield (La Pêche).

As you know, this property was formerly a school, sold by the Western Quebec School Board in 2017. Since that time, the Municipality has changed the zoning to residential use.

We are requesting a clear, written confirmation from the Planning Department on the following points:

Zoning Designation

Please confirm that the property is now zoned residential only, and that cultural, institutional, or commercial uses (such as a school, daycare, or co-op) are not permitted without a formal zoning amendment.

Safety and Occupancy Obligations

Please confirm that the existing school building cannot be occupied as a residence in its current state, and that renovations are required to bring the building into conformity with residential building code and safety standards (fire protection, plumbing, electricity, etc.).

Next Steps for Compliance

Please advise on the proper process for the owner to proceed with renovation or redevelopment that complies with the residential zoning.

The reason for this request is that there is ongoing misunderstanding in the community about the property. Many residents still believe it can be used as a school, cultural center, or public facility. This misunderstanding has unfortunately led to rumors, resentment, and even anger directed toward the owner, which is not right.

In addition, there are publications that have reported on the property without understanding the zoning changes, which further reinforces these misunderstandings. For example, the recent article in The Low Down to Hull and Back News entitled “Old school, new hangout” (link) presents the property as if it could still serve a public or cultural function, which is not legally possible under the current residential zoning. This type of coverage risks directing more anger and pressure toward the owner, when in fact the zoning rules are set by the Municipality.

We want to address these misunderstandings now. With an official clarification from the Planning Department, we will be able to share accurate information publicly and place a notice to inform the community of:

the true implications of the zoning changes,

what these changes mean for us as the property owner, and

the directions of our future planning.

Your straightforward written confirmation will allow us to correct the record, reduce unnecessary tension, and move forward with redevelopment in a manner consistent with municipal regulations.

We thank you for your attention to this request and look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
Liping Wang and Fuliang Ma
For 10051233 Canada Inc.

Version Française
Madame, Monsieur,

Je vous écris au nom de 10051233 Canada Inc., propriétaire de l’immeuble situé au 20, chemin des Caves, Wakefield (La Pêche).

Comme vous le savez, cet immeuble était autrefois une école, vendue par la Commission scolaire Western Québec en 2017. Depuis ce temps, la Municipalité a modifié le zonage pour un usage résidentiel.

Nous demandons une confirmation écrite et claire du service d’urbanisme sur les points suivants :

Désignation de zonage

Veuillez confirmer que la propriété est maintenant zonée résidentiel seulement, et que les usages culturels, institutionnels ou commerciaux (tels qu’une école, une garderie ou une coopérative) ne sont pas permis sans modification officielle de zonage.

Obligations de sécurité et d’occupation

Veuillez confirmer que le bâtiment scolaire existant ne peut pas être occupé comme résidence dans son état actuel, et que des rénovations sont requises pour le mettre en conformité avec le Code du bâtiment résidentiel et les normes de sécurité (protection incendie, plomberie, électricité, etc.).

Prochaines étapes de conformité

Veuillez nous indiquer la procédure appropriée pour que le propriétaire puisse procéder à une rénovation ou un réaménagement conforme au zonage résidentiel.

La raison de cette demande est qu’il existe une incompréhension persistante dans la communauté concernant cette propriété. Plusieurs résidents croient encore qu’elle peut être utilisée comme école, centre culturel ou installation publique. Cette incompréhension a malheureusement mené à des rumeurs, du ressentiment et même de la colère dirigée vers le propriétaire, ce qui n’est pas juste.

De plus, certaines publications ont présenté des informations inexactes, sans tenir compte du changement de zonage, ce qui entretient encore plus ces malentendus. Par exemple, un article récent du journal The Low Down to Hull and Back News intitulé « Old school, new hangout » (lien) laisse entendre que la propriété pourrait encore servir à des fins publiques ou culturelles, ce qui est légalement impossible sous le zonage résidentiel actuel. Ce type de couverture médiatique risque de diriger davantage de colère et de pression vers le propriétaire, alors que les règles de zonage sont établies par la Municipalité.

Nous souhaitons corriger ces incompréhensions maintenant. Avec une clarification officielle du service d’urbanisme, nous pourrons diffuser une information juste auprès du public et afficher un avis pour informer la communauté :

des véritables implications du changement de zonage,

de ce que cela signifie pour nous en tant que propriétaires, et

de la direction de notre planification future.

Votre confirmation écrite et directe nous permettra de rétablir les faits, de réduire les tensions inutiles et d’aller de l’avant avec un projet de réaménagement conforme aux règlements municipaux.

Nous vous remercions de votre attention à cette demande et attendons votre réponse avec intérêt.

Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de nos salutations distinguées.

Liping Wang & Fuliang Ma
Pour 10051233 Canada