Sod-Turning Marks Preparation for Exploits Valley High Redevelopment

To help launch the first phase of a redevelopment at Exploits Valley High in Grand Falls-Windsor, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, and the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans, took part in an official sod-turning at the school today.

“The Provincial Government has taken a systematic approach to upgrading existing school infrastructure throughout the province in order to provide the best in teaching and learning environments,” said Minister Burke. “The significant investment we are making in Exploits Valley High, in both Phases I and II of its redevelopment, will revitalize the school and ultimately enable the facility to meet the needs of students and teachers for many years to come.”

Phase I of the redevelopment includes the construction of a new gymnasium, complete with hardwood floors and adjoining fitness and change rooms, along with a new lighting and sound system for the stage. Tenders have been called and are expected to be awarded within the next few weeks. Phase II of the project, which will be tendered at a later date, will include the demolition of the existing gymnasium, upgrades to the skilled trades suite, classroom renovations, cafeteria and kitchen renovations and electrical and plumbing upgrades.

"The redevelopment of Exploits Valley High will ensure students in Grand Falls-Windsor continue to have the best facilities in which to learn and stay active,” said Minister Sullivan. “I am very pleased to be putting the shovel in the ground today, beginning the first phase of this exciting process."

These upgrades are in addition to improvements completed at the school in recent years, including various site improvements, new siding and other renovations, which total approximately $957,000.

The Grand Falls-Windsor school system has benefited from major government investments in recent years with all schools receiving some level of upgrades or renovations. In addition to the investments in Exploits Valley High, $4.1 million has been allocated for Exploits Valley Intermediate; $740,000 for Millcrest Academy; $544,000 for Sprucewood Academy, and $133,000 for Woodland Primary, for a total of almost $6.6 million.

“We very much appreciate government’s commitment to the development and maintenance of our school facilities, and the support provided for teaching and learning resources,” said John George, Chair of the Nova Central School Board. “Every dollar spent in our schools helps to strengthen our education system and to prepare our students for post-secondary education and employment.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, provides $94.5 million for new and ongoing K-12 infrastructure projects, including $34.3 million for repairs and maintenance. Since 2004, the Provincial Government has allocated more than $504 million for new schools, extensions, redevelopments, renovations and repairs and maintenance in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Photo: The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, and the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans join Exploits Valley High School student Melissa Blackmore as they turn the sod to prepare for Phase 1 of redevelopment at the school. From left are: John George, Chair of the Nova Central School Board, Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Al Hawkins, Minister Burke, Ms. Blackmore, Minister Sullivan and Grand Falls-Windsor - Green Bay South MHA Ray Hunter.

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2011 07 28                            2:50 p.m.