Gordon McGregor Public School (Photo courtesy of Google.com/maps)Gordon McGregor Public School (Photo courtesy of Google.com/maps)
Windsor

School tied to emergence of the auto industry could be given heritage designation

When Windsor's Development and Heritage Standing Committee meets on Tuesday, members might take the first step towards giving a Ford City school a heritage designation.

Gordon McGregor Public School closed in 2016 when enrolment dwindled. The Greater Essex County District School Board sold the Alexis Road school to the City of Windsor after that, which sold it to its current owner.

Right now, it houses the Windsor Islamic High School.

The school opened in 1924. It is named after the founder of the Ford Motor Company of Canada, Gordon McGregor.

Following his father's death, McGregor took over the Walkerville Wagon Works and later partnered with Henry Ford of Detroit. The Ford Motor Company of Canada was founded in 1904.

The Public School Board of Ford City opened the school to elementary and secondary school students when Ford City and the Canadian auto industry were emerging in prominence.

The building boasts Art Deco features. The architectural firm Nichols and Sheppard designed it.

The standing committee could issue a Notice of Intention, the first step towards designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.

If no one objects, the city can pass a by-law.

The school is already listed under the Windsor Municipal Heritage Registry.

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