The following letter was sent to Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa and members of town council. A copy was forwarded to The Lake Report for publication.

Dear councillors of Niagara-on-the-Lake:

I am writing as a teacher at Royal Oak Community School. While I am not a resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake, I am deeply invested in the wellbeing of the children and families who call this town home.

I respectfully ask that you remain open to allowing Royal Oak to continue operating at the 176 Wellington site, ideally as part of the Burton Foundation’s proposed 176 Wellington project.

Royal Oak was established by local families in response to the closure of Parliament Oak in 2015, and it has since grown into an essential part of the community. It provides not only a local schooling option, but also a personalized approach to education that supports students with diverse learning needs.

More than that, it is a place where children feel safe, supported and inspired — a place where they discover who they are and what they are capable of.

The location at 176 Wellington is central to this experience. It allows students to engage directly with the rich history and culture of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Within walking distance of significant landmarks, natural spaces and cultural institutions, our students don’t just learn about their community — they experience it. Relocating the school would fundamentally limit these authentic, place-based learning opportunities.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a growing and dynamic community, with more families choosing to call it home. Ensuring that children have access to meaningful, local education is vital to sustaining that growth.

It is a privilege to teach here, and to be part of a community that values connection, history, and opportunity. Losing Royal Oak from this location would be a significant loss — not only for the school, but for the broader community it serves.

I recognize that council must weigh many competing priorities, and I respect the complexity of your role.

My request is not that decisions be made solely with Royal Oak in mind, but that all viable options for the 176 Wellington site be given fair and thorough consideration.

Issuing a request for proposal would allow for a full exploration of possibilities and ensure that decisions are made with a clear understanding of the potential community impact.

I strongly believe that council has a responsibility to consider proposals that preserve and support organizations like Royal Oak —organizations that contribute meaningfully to the social, educational, and cultural fabric of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Krista Hill
St. Catharines