05/06/2026
THE STORY OF THE OLD WAKEFIELD SCHOOL
20 chemin des Caves, Wakefield, Québec
June 2026
The former Wakefield Elementary School has been part of the community for generations. Many residents attended school there, worked there, volunteered there, or have memories connected to the property.
Over the years, many people have asked why the property has remained vacant for so long and why redevelopment has taken so much time.
To understand the answer, it is important to understand the history.We met with the Lepache planning department and dug in the history of the zoning changes and found the truth this time.
In 2016, Mr. Fu Liang Ma became interested in purchasing the former school property. At the time, the school had closed, but Mr. Ma did not see the property simply as a real estate investment. He saw an opportunity to continue the educational legacy of the site.
His vision was to establish an international, sports-focused private elementary school serving students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. The goal was to preserve the educational purpose of the property while creating new opportunities for local families and attracting students to the region.
Before purchasing the property, Mr. Ma met with local stakeholders, community members, and municipal representatives. Discussions took place regarding the future of the property and the possibility of continuing educational uses on the site. There was optimism about preserving the school's role within the community.
At the time the purchase agreement was signed in June 2016, the property was located within Zone Pa-605, which permitted both public and private schools.
Mr. Ma moved forward with the purchase believing that the educational use of the property could continue.
What was not fully understood at the time was that the planning framework for the property was about to change.
According to information recently confirmed by the Municipality of La Pêche, the zoning of the property was amended on December 16, 2016. The property was changed from Zone Pa-605, which permitted public and private schools, to Zone Rb-605, a residential zone.
The transaction subsequently closed in January 2017.
As a result, the educational vision that had motivated the purchase became significantly more difficult to achieve.
To the best of Mr. Ma's knowledge, he was not aware at the time that this zoning amendment had been adopted shortly before the closing of the purchase. His efforts were focused on the acquisition process and on preparing for the establishment of a private school.
Only later did it become apparent that the planning framework governing the property had fundamentally changed.
This marked the beginning of a long and difficult journey.
Over the following years, numerous alternatives were explored. Professional planners, architects, engineers, surveyors, environmental consultants, hydrogeologists, and municipal officials became involved in evaluating different possibilities for the site.
At the same time, the vacant buildings began facing challenges that affect many unused institutional properties. Break-ins occurred. Copper was stolen. Windows were damaged. Vandalism became an ongoing concern. Buildings that had once been full of children and activity gradually deteriorated while redevelopment options were being studied.
Many people saw the vacant buildings and assumed that the owners had abandoned the property. The reality was much more complex.
The owners were attempting to find a path forward for a property that had lost the very use that had originally justified its purchase.
Despite these setbacks, Mr. Ma never gave up on the property.
Over the years, significant resources have been invested in studies, planning work, engineering reviews, legal matters, maintenance, security, and redevelopment proposals.
Today, we continue to work with the Municipality of La Pêche, planners, architects, engineers, and community members to create a viable future for the site.
Our vision has evolved.
While residential development will likely form part of the future of the property, we believe the site should continue to serve the community in meaningful ways. We are exploring opportunities that may include housing, professional offices, healthcare services, rehabilitation and wellness facilities, educational services, and other community-oriented uses that respect the history of the property.
We recognize that many residents have a deep emotional connection to the Old Wakefield School. We share that respect for its history.
The story of 20 chemin des Caves is not simply a story about buildings or zoning. It is a story about a vision that changed, unexpected challenges, years of perseverance, and a continuing commitment to finding a positive future for an important community landmark.
As we move forward, we hope the community will continue to share its ideas, its memories, and its support.
The next chapter of the Old Wakefield School is still being written.
Timeline
2016 June — Purchase Agreement Signed
2016 Fall — Vision for International K–6 School Announced
2016 Dec 16 — Zoning Changed from School to Residential
2017 Jan — Purchase Closed
2017–2025 — Studies, Planning, Alternative Development Options
2025–2026 — New Discussions with Municipality
Future — Housing + Community Services + Revitalization
Liping Wang
on behalf of Fu Liang Ma
Owners of 20 chemin des Caves
Wakefield, Québec
