Tender awarded for Happy Valley-Goose Bay school

Education Minister Judy Foote announced today that the tender for construction of a new grade seven to Level III school for Happy Valley-Goose Bay has been awarded to Colby Construction Ltd., of St. John�s.

"Government is investing $10.23 million in this facility and construction will begin shortly," said Minister Foote. "This new facility will be one of the most modern and technically advanced schools in the province. It will have over 74,000 square feet and will be the largest school built in Newfoundland and Labrador in over a decade.

"Government is committed to ensuring all students receive the highest quality education in the best facilities possible. Our students deserve to attend schools that provide an environment conducive to learning. The Happy Valley-Goose Bay school will provide resources and facilities to do that. Upon completion this will be a state of the art facility with resources to furnish every student with what they require to learn, to develop and prepare to meet the challenges of the future."

Minister Ernie McLean, MHA - Lake Melville, said he is confident the new facility will meet the needs of the community. "I am sure that parents, students and teachers will be proud of this new facility. It will become one of the cornerstones in the community, providing a first-class learning environment."

The school is designed to accommodate 900 students. It will be equipped with four laboratories, a challenging needs suite and an area for technology education, a music/drama room and a separate art room. The school will house a large gymnasium, a library resource centre and a home economics room. Classrooms and other instructional areas will be equipped with computers. Landscaping and a paved parking lot will also be done.

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett said construction will begin by the middle of June. "We are expecting to be able to start construction of the building in a month. It will take us a little over a year to construct the facility, so we are aiming to have the school operational for the September 2003 school year."

This latest expenditure brings to $28,255,000 the total invested to improve school facilities in the Labrador School Board since 1997.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2002 05 16                             4:20 p.m.