Update on new schools being built in HPEDSB

Update on new schools being built in HPEDSB

This is to provide an update on two significant construction projects in Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. Each is directly connected to the school board' s strategic plan, which is known as the AiM-Achievement in Motion for Student Success System Plan, and also to the work being done every day to support student achievement and well-being.

"These are exciting times for us. We have been fortunate to receive funding from the Ministry of Education to build new schools and also to construct additions to support Full-day Kindergarten," stated Mandy Savery-Whiteway, Director of Education.

1. New Harmony Public School

Construction of the new Harmony Public School has been happening since last fall, following an $11.6 funding announcement by the Ministry of Education. The school community has watched the building take shape right before their eyes. Construction of the 59,000 square foot school for approximately 590 students will continue at a rapid pace over the next few months in preparation for the September 2014 opening.

Starting on Saturday, June 28, parts of the existing school will be demolished and almost all of the school grounds will see some sort of construction activity. For safety reasons, the entire site will become a fenced construction area for the summer. The centre connecting corridor of the existing school will be the first part to be demolished in order to make way for trenching for the underground services, such as electricity and telephone. The remainder of the existing school will be demolished in the following weeks. As well, a new and much larger septic system and three large underground water reservoirs for fire-fighting purposes will be excavated and installed. Construction of the larger parking lot, bus loop, fire route and other paving is planned for August. Grading and landscaping for most of the site will create the beautiful new school grounds.

2. New Trenton Elementary School

In April 2014, the Ministry of Education announced it would fund Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board for $11.31 million to build a replacement school in Trenton. The new 55,000-60,000 square foot school will consolidate approximately 590 students from Breadner Elementary School, College Street Public School and Queen Elizabeth Public School (T), and will be built on the site of the existing Queen Elizabeth Public School. Construction will begin in March 2015 and be completed by June 30, 2016. The new school is scheduled to open in September 2016.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354, [email protected]