HURON-SUPERIOR CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Board Provides Update on School Upgrade Projects

The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board's Multi-Year Strategic Plan lists Equitable Stewardship of our Resources as one of its strategic directions.  Utilizing our resources responsibly, justly, responsively and wisely is at the forefront of fulfilling this goal.  For the years 2021-2022 the board allocated just over $5 million to upgrades at six elementary schools and another $700 thousand in general maintenance of its schools.   

"We are pleased to be able to utilize provincial and federal government funding for these projects that will enhance the experience of staff and students at these six elementary schools.  We are confident that upgrading our facilities in these important ways will lead to positive outcomes," said Director of Education, Rose Burton Spohn.

East Schools

The largest project will be $1.3 million going to upgrades to the ventilation system and for energy efficient LED lighting at St. Mary's Catholic School in Blind River.

"The ventilation upgrade will greatly improve air circulation and quality providing a healthier atmosphere for students and staff.  Conversion to LED lighting will lead to improved lighting levels and result in substantial energy savings and maintenance costs," said Plant Services Manager, Steven Brown.

In Elliot Lake, another extensive project, with a budget of $1.2 million, will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School.  Three classrooms will be converted to two JK/SK rooms with a common washroom between, new ceilings, LED lighting, flooring and millwork. Also included in the project is an exterior fenced play area with rubberized play surface, asphalt track, shade structures, and storage shed.  The school's breakfast room will also be relocated to make way for the FDK rooms.  Our Lady of Lourdes French Immersion in Elliot Lake has already seen a new bus bay and parking lot created to increase safety for staff and students.  Cost for that project was $690,000. 

North Schools

Ventilation upgrades will also be the focus at three northern schools.  At St. Augustine French Immersion in Wawa, $520,000 has been allotted for improvements to the ventilation system.  In White River, $600,000 has been budgeted for ventilation and barrier free upgrades at St. Basil Catholic School.  The board has allotted $720,000 for ventilation and barrier-free upgrades at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Chapleau.

"All of these projects will greatly enhance air quality for staff and students and save money in energy costs.  The barrier-free upgrades are another step in improving accessibility at all of our facilities," said Brown.       

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some board projects have experienced delays and cost increases.  With this in mind the Plant Department has a contingency of almost a million dollars related to these projects.  It is hoped that all of these projects proceed on time and within budget.