Three Rivers seeks 'another life' for historic Brudenell School

The eastern P.E.I. town of Three Rivers is looking for someone who can provide a new purpose for a schoolhouse that served its local community for nearly 150 years or more.

The exact date of construction for Brudenell School is not known, though there is evidence that there was a school on the site as early as 1869. It remained a school for more than a century after that, but closed following school amalgamations in 1972.

The community of Brudenell used it as a community office, but it became surplus with the creation of the amalgamated community of Three Rivers.

'We’d love to see a community group take it over,' says Mayor Debbie Johnston. (Mitch Cormier/CBC)

"When amalgamation happened in 2018 we inherited about 20 buildings/structures, six parks, numerous vacant lots, three marinas, just a whole mixture of assets," said Mayor Debbie Johnston.

Three Rivers has successfully transferred some of those buildings to community groups, including the old schoolhouses in Lorne Valley and Heatherdale. One group expressed an interest in the Brudenell schoolhouse in 2022, but the plan didn't work out.

"We'd love to see a community group take it over rather than it sit empty," said Johnston.

The schoolhouse had a major renovation in 2013. (Mitch Cormier/CBC)

"It's small but it's got a full basement under it and it could serve."

The building underwent a major renovation in 2013. It was lifted and a new foundation was put under it. There was a new roof, windows, heating system and insulation.

One issue that remains with the building: it only has one entrance, so it can't be used as a public space.

At this point, Johnston said, the town is open to just about any proposal that would see the building find a use. Council would like to see the historical nature of the building maintained, but it is open to discussion.

The mayor said the right group could take over the schoolhouse for a nominal charge.