Education and Early Childhood Development
Transportation and Works
May 1, 2015

Building Modern Learning Communities

Government Awards $19.9 Million Contract for Construction of New School in Torbay

A contract worth $19.9 million has been awarded for the construction of a new Grades 5-7school in Torbay which will accommodate approximately 600 students.

"This government continues to make strategic investments in areas that are important to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Our investment in a new school in Torbay is in response to student growth in the Torbay, Flatrock, Pouch Cove and Bauline areas and will provide a modern learning environment for students and families in this region. Investments in education infrastructure have been hallmarks of our government, and benefit communities and families across the province."
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Acting Minister of Education

Bird Construction has been awarded the contract to build a two-storey facility near Watt's Pond in Torbay. The school will include 31 classrooms, a gymnasium, library resource centre, science lab, computer lab, music rooms, practice rooms, lunch/multipurpose room, and a commercial kitchen. The site will also incorporate a regulation size soccer field.

"The addition of this new school will benefit Torbay and the surrounding communities, which are experiencing significant growth with new homes being built and new families moving to the area. With planning complete, I am pleased to see this project move forward to the next stage of development. The new school has been designed in accordance with the Provincial Energy Plan and will follow the LEED green building rating system.Our government recognizes the importance of leading by example with respect to improving energy efficiency."
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system incorporates environmentally-friendly initiatives that enhance both the learning environment and landscape of the entire site. The school will be fully ventilated with air conditioning available as part of the HVAC system, and will feature energy efficient lighting. Waste reduction, natural daylight, and water conservation are among other LEED-influenced design features.

"This announcement is great news for the students, teachers and parents who will benefit from the construction of this learning facility. The Torbay region continues to grow and this modern, mutli-purpose and energy efficient facility will assist in the delivery of enhanced educational programming."
- Kevin Parsons, MHA for Cape St. Francis

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has allocated more than $731 million for K-12 infrastructure to ensure students and teachers continue to enjoy safe and healthy learning environments. Fourteen new schools have been opened; 11 more are in various stages of planning or construction; 27 major extension and renovation projects have been completed, with 13 more underway; and more than 1,900 repairs and maintenance projects have been approved. To support the multi-year education infrastructure development plan, over $95 million is allocated through Budget 2015 for K-12 infrastructure.

QUICK FACTS

• A contract worth $19.9 million has been awarded to Bird Construction for the development of a new Grades 5-7 school in Torbay.
• The new, two-storey school is expected to accommodate about 600 students and will be constructed near Watt's Pond, Torbay. Occupancy is expected to take place in fall 2016.
• Since 2004, over $731 million has been allocated for K-12 infrastructure.
• As part of the multi-year education infrastructure development plan, over $95 million is allocated through Budget 2015 for K-12 infrastructure to address short and longer-term provincial needs.

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Media contacts:

Blair Medd Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 709-729-0048, 631-8465 blairmedd@gov.nl.ca	Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca
Linda J. Walsh Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-0898, 691-2960 lindajwalsh@gov.nl.ca

2015 05 01                              12:40 p.m.