At the end of March, the Grand Erie District School Board put out a question – what should be the new name for Elgin Avenue Public School?
The school is currently undergoing extensive renovations with the goal of welcoming current students as well as kids from West Lynn Public School.
At the end of the upgrade, West Lynn would close, but for now it is the home of both West Lynn and Elgin students during the construction process.
We asked the community on social media what they would choose for a name, but the majority of those who commented on our post said a name change was not needed and that it should just remain as Elgin.
We decided to go one step further, and talk to the kids currently at West Lynn about what they would pick for a new name for what will eventually be their school.
Here is Emraan, Adam, Keira, and Aria, all from Grade 4, giving their thoughts on the matter on what they would pick to be a good name – with a leaning towards a combination of mascots.
The four, a mix of West Lynn and Elgin students, are currently in a class where they are discussing the idea of what the new school will be like.
But we were told around the hall, the opinions are much different than the adults, with students embracing the idea of something new.
The kids are also optimistic about the change.
From a West Lynn stand point, some of the kids are excited to see what a new school holds.
For some of the Elgin kids, they are a bit eager to come back to the halls they are use to.
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.
Written by Matt LeBlanc