Degrassi Junior High fans might be saddened to hear that the old Vincent Massey Public School where the series was filmed from 1987 to 1989 is up for sale. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has decided to sell the previous school building in Etobicoke, currently the site of the Vincent Massey Childcare Centre. Local parents say the childcare facility is essential to the neighbourhood and have protested the TDSB's decision to sell. The city of Toronto, a possible purchaser for the property, is looking to "hive off a portion of the site where the school sits, plus a yet-to-be-determined amount of the surrounding schoolyard in order to save the Vincent Massey's childcare spaces and preserve a heritage building at the same time."
Linda Schuyler, co-creator of the Degrassi series, was a teacher at the Vincent Massey School which allowed her to film at the site. Hardcore fans will remember classic scenes around the school like Joey Jeremiah playing with his band the "Zit Remedy," Derek "Wheels" Wheeler coping with his adoption and Spike who later becomes a teenage mom. The series went on to star some notable Canadian actors including 90210's Shenae Grimes and recording artist Drake who recently sold his Yorkville condo for $3.75 million.
· Parents Protest Decision to Sell Vincent Massey School [InsideToronto]
· City Expresses Interest in Purchase of Old Vincent Massey School [InsideToronto]
· 60 Seconds with Linda Schuyler [UofT]
· Tour the set of Degrassi High [Toronto Star]