The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has awarded a contract valued at $18,986,000 to Marco Services Ltd. to construct a new primary school in Gander to replace Gander Academy.
The new school will be a 68,716 square foot, single-story building, constructed on the site of the current Gander Academy, and will accommodate approximately 540 students. Construction work will start in 2019 and is expected to be completed in spring 2021.
The original Gander Academy was constructed in 1957 with an extension built in 1971 and a new gymnasium added in 1990.
The contract includes:
- Construction of 29 classrooms, library, music rooms, administration area, cafeteria, kitchen;
- Renovation of the existing gym for connection to the new building;
- Redevelopment of the parking lot; and
- Demolition of the existing building.
This is one of many school construction and renovation projects in The Way Forward: A Multi-Year Plan for Infrastructure Investments. The plan outlines government’s commitments to education, health, buildings and roads, and municipal infrastructure through a total investment of nearly $3 billion.
The replacement of Gander Academy delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca
Quotes
“The replacement of Gander Academy is one of many projects planned where our government is replacing aging infrastructure with new facilities. By investing $180 million for new schools and renovations over the next five years, we are providing better environments for learning for students and creating construction jobs in rural communities.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Transportation and Works
“This is an exciting project for the school community in Gander. Replacing the aging Gander Academy has been a priority for our government and is key to ensuring a vibrant learning environment for our students, teachers and administrators.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
“The people of Gander deserve a state-of-the-art primary school where their children can build a foundation for a prosperous future. Investing in school infrastructure is a winning formula because it positions our kids and our province for long-term success. Thank you to those people who worked hard and advocated strongly to help make this new primary school a reality.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Communities Services and MHA for Gander
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Learn more
The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador
The Way Forward: A Multi-Year Plan for Infrastructure Investments 
Construction Starts on New Paradise Intermediate School
Provincial Government Awards Contract to Construct New Primary School in Bay Roberts
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