Construction at the Great Lakes Secondary School (GLSS) permanent site is expected to begin this fall, following the Lambton Kent District School Board's (LKDSB) Aug. 29 decision to award the tender to Jasper Construction Corp., of Concord, Ontario, to complete the second phase of the renovation and addition at the school.
The renovation and addition is expected to cost $23.4 million, for which the LKDSB received a $10.3 million capital investment from the Ministry of Education. The LKDSB will also provide $13.1 million in School Condition Improvement funds for this phase of the project. The total project is estimated to cost $24.5 million (including the Phase 1 demolition).
Rising costs of construction materials and the limited availability of skilled trades workers has contributed to the increase cost expenditures for the Phase 2 addition and renovation.
"Variabilities within the construction industry are difficult to predict, such as increased material costs and the availability of skilled tradespersons," said Jim Costello, Director of Education. "While the overall cost of the project has increased, our focus remains on creating an innovative learning environment that meets the needs of current and future GLSS students."
Students and staff worked together with Senior Administration to provide input into the overall design for GLSS, which will house a new auditorium, Indigenous community room, updated classrooms and accessibility improvements. Demolition at the permanent site for GLSS is currently underway and is expected to be completed in September.
The LKDSB will submit the project budget to the Ministry of Education for final approval. It is expected that construction will start in early fall, with students scheduled to attend the GLSS permanent site in September 2018.
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For additional information contact:
Jane Bryce, Chair of the Board, 519-899-2619
Jim Costello, Director of Education, 519-336-1500, Ext 31297
Brian McKay, Superintendent of Business, 519-336-1500, Ext. 31480
For reference information contact:
Heather Hughes, Public Relations Officer, 519-336-1500, Ext. 31262
August 29, 2017
2017/2018:01
