Education
March 18, 2009Minister
Announces Tender Award for New Schools in Torbay and Paradise
Construction of two new schools announced for the
province will swing into high gear with a tender award of $27.4 million.
The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, said today that the
tender has been awarded to Marco Services Ltd., to begin construction of
the new K-6 school for Torbay and the new K-6 school for Paradise.
�This is a significant investment which recognizes the growth of these
communities and the needs identified by the Eastern School District in
their long-term plan,� said Minister Burke. �There is a tremendous
amount of work involved in getting to the stage of actual construction
and I would like to acknowledge the input and work of the school
community and school council, the school district and board trustees as
well as the municipalities. These facilities promise to be a great
addition to Torbay and Paradise and reflect government�s commitment to
improving school infrastructure in communities around the province.�
A similar floor plan is being used for the design of both schools,
providing an enhanced learning environment including a learning resource
centre, a recycling room, a cafeteria and multi-purpose lunch room, a
gymnasium with change rooms, two guidance suites, a special education
suite and medical room.
As part of the school construction plans announced for Paradise, a $2
million renovation and extension is nearing completion at Holy Family
Elementary. Four new classrooms are under construction as well as a new
cafeteria. The classrooms should be ready by Easter, with the cafeteria
following shortly. In addition, planning for a second K-6 school in
Paradise is underway and it is anticipated that the project will go to
tender in the near future.
"The awarding of these tenders is great news for the students, teachers
and parents of Paradise and Torbay," said Milton Peach, Chair of the
Eastern School Board. "We are all very anxious to see the start of
construction on these two major projects and we are also pleased that
the land acquisition process for the second Paradise school is nearing
completion."
As part of the Williams Government�s $800 million infrastructure plan,
$121.5 million is being allocated in 2009-10 for the K-12 system. In
addition to the Torbay and Paradise schools, the Provincial Government
has committed funding for new schools in Port Saunders, Placentia, Baie
Verte, L�Anse au Loup, Port Hope Simpson, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St.
John�s and Carbonear.
�There have been many advancements made for students, teachers and staff
in our K-12 system,� said Minister Burke. �This includes new curriculum
and modern resources coupled with a priority on improving school
infrastructure. We are making significant inroads in this area with the
construction of new buildings such as in Torbay and Paradise and with
various repair and maintenance projects across the province.�
It is expected that construction on both new facilities will begin
shortly with an expected opening date of fall 2010.
- 30 -
Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca
2009 03 18
9:40 a.m.