Education and Early Childhood Development
Transportation and Works
October 30, 2015

Building Modern Learning Communities

Students to Benefit from $15.3 Million School Contract in Gander

A contract valued at approximately $15.3 million has been awarded for the construction of a new Grade 4-6 school in Gander. This new school proactively addresses the increased student enrollment in the community and has been designed to accommodate up to 450 students. Site preparation and the installation of site services have already been completed.

"Our government has made unprecedented investments in education infrastructure over the past decade. This contract for the new school in Gander is an investment in our education system and will help support family friendly communities, which is an important component of our Population Growth Strategy. This is a significant investment in quality education for a growing community and it will have positive and lasting impacts on the students in Gander and surrounding area for years to come."
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

Brook Construction (2007) Inc. has been awarded the contract to build the facility which will be located on Magee Road, at the corner of Raynham Avenue. The facility will include 25 classrooms, a gymnasium, a stage, a library resource centre, two music rooms, a lunch/multi-purpose room and a commercial kitchen and is expected to open in 2017.

"Building educational facilities to support our youth, families and communities is clearly a priority for government and one of many areas in the infrastructure sector to see the benefit of strategic investments. With a total infrastructure investment of more than $660 million this year, improvements are also being made to roads, health care facilities and municipal infrastructure projects."
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

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.

"We are pleased and excited to see this project moving forward to benefit the students and families in the area. Once completed, this new facility will certainly provide for the continued growth and success of our young people, particularly within the supportive, close-knit and vibrant school community of Gander."
- Milton Peach, Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador English School Board

Since 2004, 15 new schools have been completed, 10 more are in various stages of planning or construction, 31 major extensions and renovation projects have been completed, and 9 more are underway.

QUICK FACTS

• The contract for the construction of a new grade 4-6 school for the Town of Gander has been awarded.
• The school, which is scheduled to open in 2017, is expected to accommodate 450 students and have 25 classrooms.
• 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. This funding will build on the already unprecedented level of investment that has seen 15 new schools completed, 10 more in various stages of planning or construction, 31 major extensions and renovation projects completed, and 9 more underway.

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Media contacts:

Blair Medd Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 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
Ken Morrissey Director of Communications Newfoundland and Labrador English School District 709-758-2371, 730-0798 kenmorrissey@nlesd.ca

2015 10 30                              12:50 p.m.