The Quebec provincial government approved on Wednesday a plan to move École FACE, a publicly funded arts‑focused primary and secondary school, to a different site on the island of Montreal. The decision has triggered an organized opposition among residents and supporters.
École FACE provides artistic education to elementary and high‑school students across the city. Its current location has served for years as a hub for visual and performing‑arts programs that are integrated into the regular curriculum, offering students regular access to specialised facilities and instruction.
Since the announcement, a group of local residents has begun to voice concerns about the relocation. Among those speaking out is Violette Cantin, who has joined the effort to keep the school at its present site. Critics argue that moving the school could disrupt existing programs and affect the community that has formed around the institution, including families who rely on the school's location for daily commutes.
Provincial officials have not released further details about the new site or a timeline for the move. They describe the relocation as part of a broader plan to reorganise educational facilities on the island. The opposition movement plans to hold meetings and submit formal objections in the coming weeks, seeking a review of the decision.
École FACE was founded to place artistic practice on an equal footing with academic subjects, and supporters say the school has contributed to Montreal’s cultural scene by nurturing young talent and partnering with local arts organisations. They warn that a change of location could jeopardise these collaborations and limit access for students who depend on public transportation to reach the current campus.