Major renovation and accessibility projects underway across Pembina Trails

It is a big year for construction in Pembina Trails, with work underway at many of our schools. These projects vary in budget and details, but one thing remains consistent-our board is committed to maintaining infrastructure and creating spaces that are more accessible.

Here is a look at some of the renovations taking place during the 2019-20 school year.

Institute collégial Vincent Massey Collegiate

A major roof replacement is near completion on the high school that is nearly 60 years old. The project included construction over the library, main office and cafeteria corridor.

A significant investment was also made in the school’s learning commons. The space now includes a grandstand, which is used for main floor presentations, teaching and modern breakout rooms.

“With all the variety in spaces, students are actively studying, working on laptops, meeting in rooms, reading, relaxing and completing assignments,” shared Mona-Lynne Ayotte, teacher-librarian, Institut collégial Vincent Massey Collegiate. “This new space has truly become the hub of the school where teachers and students are collaborating, doing inquiry-based learning.”

• Cost:
  Roof-$2.2 million invested by the province 
  Learning commons-$775,000 invested by the division

• Completion: Fall 2019
• Originally built: 1960

Arthur A. Leach School

Some significant accessibility improvements are happening at Arthur A. Leach School. A new learning center offers a kitchen where students can learn to cook. There is also a designated area for music, dance and physiotherapy. The renovated space is also used to host the school’s breakfast program.

“This new space provides students opportunities to engage in academics and special programming. The learning centre is a place that builds community, academics and skills,” said Greg Swintak, resource teacher.

Work is currently underway on the school’s south entrance, which includes an elevator addition and accessible washrooms. In addition to the accessibility-focused improvements, a roof replacement was also recently completed.

• Cost: Elevator addition-$3.3 million invested by the province with $550,000 paid for by the division
• Completion: 
  Elevator and south end entrance-Summer 2020
  Learning center-completed
  Roof-completed
• Originally built: 1974

École secondaire Oak Park High School

Work to refinish and improve École secondaire Oak Park High School's roof has been completed. It was a massive undertaking over the summer with a tight timeline.  The school’s gym change rooms were remodeled and now include an accessible shower. Students and staff are now also making the most of a new art space that is modern and inspires creativity.

“We want to thank all the school staff who worked diligently to plan, organize, move furniture, purchase materials and clean up the areas.  The divisional team and all the companies who participated in this endeavour should be acknowledged for the amazing efforts that they have put in to creating these incredible learning spaces for our students,” shared Sharon Labossiére, vice-principal.

Cost:

Roof-$587,000 invested by the province

Change rooms-$250,000 paid for by the division

Art room-$50,000 invested by the division

Completion: Completed

Originally built: 1975

Fort Richmond Collegiate

The school, with a growing population of 1,355 students, will soon benefit from a new band room. The larger space will be dedicated to music and will include improved acoustics, natural lighting and more storage spaces.

The former band room will then be renovated into a learning centre that will improve accessibility for all students, including those requiring additional supports. 

“This space will truly be central to our inclusive beliefs, and will include a kitchen and living area that will support learning for students for whom life skills training is important,” said Janet Gray, principal. “The open access attitude will promote an inclusive orientation so that students who participate in life skills training learn within the learning centre, but also enter in the many other aspects of school life at Fort Richmond Collegiate.” 

Cost: $1.8 million invested by the province and roughly $800,000 paid for by the division

Completion:

Band room-January 2020 

Learning centre-Summer of 2020

Originally built: 1967

As always, we would like to thank our students, staff and neighbors for their patience during these projects.