The Ministry of Transportation has approved the City of Prince Rupert's plan to turn over two parcels of land set aside as road right of ways to School District 54.
The two undeveloped laneways are adjacent to parcels already owned by the school district for construction of the new Prince Rupert Middle School.
As road right of ways, however, they have to be closed, something that requires provincial approval, before they can be transferred to a new owner.
"One is a road right away that leads to the current SD52 property and does not provide access to any other properties," wrote City Manager Robert Buchan in a report to council dated Feb. 10, 2025.
"The school proposes to develop this as the primary access to the school. Closing this road will put primary maintenance of that driveway onto the school district..."
The other is a section of an undeveloped laneway at the back of lots fronted by 9th Avenue where the current school/golf course parking lot is situated.
"Maintenance and servicing agreements will ensure that any City infrastructure within this laneway is easily maintained and updated," Buchan said.
He added the closures had no financial implications for the City and is in line with the strategic goal "of providing good governance by working with other governments, residents, neighbouring communities to ensure collaboration and open government."
In February, council accept the staff recommendation of passing first and second readings of two bylaws, which then went to the Ministry of Transportation for approval.
At its March 10 regular meeting, having received ministry approval, council adopted the two bylaws paving the way to transfer the land to the school district.
