Cape Breton-Victoria Schools a Step Closer

New schools needed in Cape Breton-Victoria are another step closer today.

In the first stage, interested companies were short-listed. Now in stage two, the short-listed groups are preparing detailed proposals to build six schools across the region.

A regional team -- including government officials and four Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board representatives -- evaluated 11 submissions, and narrowed the list to three groups. The short-listed groups are: the Armoyan Group; Ashford Investments; and Nova Learning.

"We urgently need schools, and -with a highly competitive field - we're on target to deliver good schools, within budget, as quickly as interested companies can build them," Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison said.

The six schools identified as priorities by the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board are: River Ryan Elementary; South Mira; Whitney Pier Elementary; Ingonish Consolidated; North of Smokey Elementary; and Sydney Mines Elementary.

Work is already under way in this second stage. Proposal requirements include a detailed vision, budget, financing and leasing arrangements, and plans for community consultation and timely school construction.

"Each interested group knows we want to see urgently-needed schools open as quickly as possible," Mr. Harrison said. "We expect our partners to deliver."

Companies must submit detailed proposals by July 31. Once a partner is selected for each region, the partner will work closely with government, school boards and communities on schedules and other project details. In all cases, leases will be signed before construction begins.

In addition, the Department of Education and Culture is working with school boards on renovation projects.