Partner Selected to Build Aspotogan Elementary

A new elementary school is on the way for children on the Aspotogan Peninsula in Lunenburg County. Children from the communities of Fox Point, Blandford and Mill Cove will attend.

Ashford Investments Inc., the unanimous choice of an evaluation committee made up of representatives from the local school board, government and community, has been selected as the preferred partner to build the school. Ashford Investments Inc. will now begin finalizing its lease and financing arrangements, followed by community consultation and construction.

"Children on the Aspotogan Peninsula deserve high quality programs, including art, music and physical education. Teachers are already doing a great job, but they need the right facilities and the right tools to offer these programs," said Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison. "We're working very hard to build schools like this for children right across the province."

"This announcement has been eagerly awaited by both the communities on the Aspotogan Peninsula and the Southwest Regional School Board. We welcome the opportunity for our students to have the best facilities possible," said school board chairperson Elliott Payzant.

Approximately 200 children, grades primary to 5, will attend the new school. Children attending the new Aspotogan Peninsula Elementary will have a cafeteria, art and music rooms, multi-media library, gymnasium, a computer centre and fully networked classrooms. The school will feature an open, welcoming design, modern facilities and high air quality standards.

Mr. Harrison said the new school will be designed and built based on extensive school and community involvement. "We rely on our professional teachers to help define what they need in their schools. We also want to hear from parents and the community about how new school facilities can strengthen the links that already exist between the home, school and communities in this area."

Consistent with government policy and recommendations from the Auditor General, lease and financing details will be finalized before construction begins.