On Monday night, city politicians told staff to work with Niagara Region about possibly purchasing the Barker St. property from the District School Board of Niagara.

The board closed the elementary school in June. It asked city officials if they have interest in buying the land. The board is accepting offers until Dec. 13.

City staff is hoping a deal can be arranged where the land around the school will be owned by the city, while the building will be owned by the Region.

The city is interested in the property because of its historical significance — it was on that land where the Battle of Lundy's Lane was fought on July 25, 1814.

The city would like to develop the property as a tourist attraction within the historic Drummondville area.

City staff say the Region has an interest in the school building itself for potential future uses, such as offices.

The school grounds represent the largest area available where the Battle of Lundy's Lane was fought. The adjacent Drummond Hill Cemetery land, which is owned by the city, is recognized by the federal government as a national historic site.

City staff has been in contact with federal officials, seeking financial assistance because the school property would be considered part of the national historic site. Staffers say there doesn't appear to be any federal money available to help purchase the land.

The Battlefield matter coincides with other 1812 bicentennial plans for Niagara Falls.

It also supports the call from some in the community to protect land associated with the Battle of Lundy's Lane. A few years ago, Niagara Falls resident Jock Ainslie urged city councillors to solicit federal support for the creation of a national park.

In 2005, council asked to be advised of any property within the Lundy's Lane Battlefield area that becomes available for sale.

Then mayor Ted Salci sent a letter to then education minister Gerard Kennedy requesting government regulations be changed to allow municipalities to purchase surplus school properties for nominal considerations if the properties are going to be used for historical or community purposes.

There has been no response from the ministry, say city staff.

View the article from the Niagara Falls Review