The Grand Erie District School Board is one step closer to getting Elgin Avenue Public School renovated.
Last night, trustees voted in favour of the project that will see almost every square foot of the existing building, either renovated or enhanced. Additionally, the project will expand the building with a four-classroom kindergarten addition and a space for a three room childcare and EarlyON program.
Other new items of note include an elevator and paved parking lot, while also expanding the play area with the paving process.
Everything has to get the final stamp of approval by the ministry, but the plan would see construction begin this July and continue through to August of next year.
During renovations, Elgin students will go to West Lynn. Students will share spaces both within the school and onsite portables.
Below is a brief history of the project and some notes that were addressed during a meeting earlier this month with the budget committee.
In 2016, the Grand Erie District School Board conducted an accommodation review. The review concluded with a proposed solution that would close West Lynn Public School, and improve Elgin Avenue Public School, by constructing a four-classroom addition as well as undertake significant renovations.
At the October 24, 2016, Board Meeting, the Board approved the redevelopment of Elgin Avenue Public School to include additional classroom space and approved the closure of West Lynn Public School which would become surplus pending capital approval.
In 2017, Grand Erie received an allocation from the Ministry of Education for $6,180,145 towards this project.
Additionally, the Board provided an additional commitment of $2,500,000 to create an anticipated project budget of $8,680,145.
At the April 24, 2023 Board meeting, the Board approved a project scope that focused on the following features and amenities:
• a four-classroom kindergarten addition to the northeast section of the building
• a new accessible entrance that will house a new elevator, accessing all existing floors
• a new three-room childcare and EarlyON space
• paving including asphalt parking and expanded play area.
• outdoor site work
• renovations to the existing building footprint
o mechanical HVAC overhaul
o new finishes on existing walls, ceilings, and floors
o refurbishment/replacement of interior doors
o updates to plumbing, including washrooms
o updates to fire protection and building controls
o electrical updates including servicing, lighting, system upgrades
o replacement of blackboards, refurbishment of millwork/cabinetry
In total, the construction will expand the size of the existing school by 17,000 square feet while almost every square foot of the existing building will be renovated or enhanced.
In November 2023, a Class C Estimate was provided to the school board, outlining an approximate total construction cost between $13 and $15 million.
This cost includes construction, demolition, asbestos abatement, architect fees, inflation, and the cost of portables.
Senior Administration has already initiated a temporary accommodation strategy for students at Elgin Ave Public School that will require the use of existing surplus space at West Lynn Public School combined with the use of portables. Based on the current timelines for approvals and permits, the tentative 14-month construction schedule is slated to begin July 2024 and conclude August 2025. These timelines are subject to Ministry approvals.
Other risks to the timelines include project tendering, tendered construction costs and site plan approvals.
Pending Board approval and a final update to the Class C Estimate, Senior Administration will submit an Approval to Proceed (ATP) to tender to the Ministry of Education addressing the funding gap, prior to the tendering of the project.
Written by Matt LeBlanc