Work Progressing on Short-Term Classroom Space in Charlottetown

Two tenders have been awarded to carry out work on an extension to the recreation centre in Charlottetown that will be used as short-term classroom space as planning continues to rebuild William Gillett Academy.

Mealy Mountain Contracting of Happy Valley-Goose Bay has been awarded a $129,857 tender for the installation of mechanical heating and ventilation systems to a space being constructed adjacent to the community centre. A $219,107 tender to carry out interior work to prepare the recreation centre for classroom space has been awarded to Budgell’s Equipment and Rentals of Triton.

“With the awarding of both tenders, we move further into the process of providing the students of William Gillett Academy with a safe environment in which to continue their education, on a short-term basis, while work continues on plans to rebuild their school,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman. “I want to again thank the Charlottetown school community for their support and their patience during this process.”

Minister Jackman was in Charlottetown last month, where he provided the community with an update on the progress of both the short-term classroom extension on the town’s recreation centre and the long-term rebuild of William Gillett Academy, where classroom and administrative spaces are being completely rebuilt. The only part of the existing school that will remain, and be renovated, is the gymnasium, which was built in 1993 and will continue to serve the needs of the approximately 50 students in the school community.

The rebuild is expected to be complete by September 2014, at which time the short-term classroom extension on the recreation centre will be converted to a new town hall for the community. The cost of the recreation centre expansion is being shared between the Departments of Education and Municipal Affairs.

“These projects address both the short and the long-term needs of the residents of Charlottetown and I am pleased to be a part of the redevelopment of these important community facilities,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “The construction of this interim classroom space that will be repurposed into a town hall once the school rebuild is complete is a creative and modern approach. I commend all stakeholders for making the effort and for pooling resources in the best interest of the community.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity includes $115 million for new and ongoing K-12 infrastructure, including $29 million for priority repairs and maintenance. Since 2004, about $567 million has been allocated for school infrastructure throughout the province. Nine new schools have opened; 10 more are in various stages planning or construction; 12 major extension and renovation projects have been completed, and six more are underway or in the planning stages.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2012 08 24                         2:30 p.m.