Site development will start shortly on Paradise�s
second new elementary school. The tender, valued at $12.7 million, has
been awarded to Olympic Construction and is part of an overall
investment by the Williams Government of approximately $32 million in
school infrastructure for Paradise and surrounding communities.
These investments are reflective of infrastructure goals outlined in
Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation, which committed
$121.5 million to school construction and major maintenance and repair
projects.
"We�ve been moving very quickly with our school
construction projects for the Paradise area," said The Honourable Darin
King. "Government recognizes this is a growth area of the province and
we are pleased to make these substantial investments to meet the needs
of the young families who are calling Paradise home. These projects are
also indicative of the magnitude of school construction plans and
maintenance and repair work underway throughout the province."
The new school will be located on Ellesmere Avenue in
Elizabeth Park. Though designed for 525 students, it will be built so
that it can be expanded to accommodate 700 students when and if the need
arises.
"Today's announcement is welcome news for parents and
students in Paradise," says Milton Peach, Chair of the Eastern School
Board. "Our board recognized the urgent need for new elementary schools
in this community and we are delighted that government is making these
new school construction projects a high priority. We look forward to
filling the desks and classrooms of these new schools with happy,
smiling children."
"Our children are without a doubt our most valuable
resource," said Minister Dianne Whalen, MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell
Island. "This new school will provide the necessary environment for
effective learning and development of children within my district. I am
delighted construction will soon begin."
This is the second major tender award for the Paradise
area in recent months. This past March the tender was awarded for the
construction of the new school to replace Paradise Elementary. Minister
King was also pleased to report today that site work has begun on that
project.
"I am extremely pleased to see that the tender has
been awarded for the construction of the second new elementary school to
be located in the Town of Paradise," said Beth Marshall, MHA for
Topsail. "Students from my district who live within this catchment area
will be provided with a very modern facility where students and teachers
will have a new learning environment with the latest technology. Today�s
announcement again recognizes the commitment by this government to
continue to invest in the education of our youth in the province. I
would like to acknowledge Minister King, the Eastern School District,
the mayor of Paradise, the school council and the entire school
community for their support of this project."
The new school will include 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.
"I am thrilled the plans are quickly moving forward
for the new elementary school which is great news for the young families
I represent in Elizabeth Park," said Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl
North. "I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Department of
Education, Eastern School District, the school council, the town
council, and my fellow MHAs in working together to move this project
forward."