$22 Million in Renovations for Cape Breton Schools

Five Cape Breton schools are getting more than $22 million in renovations.

The schools are part of a series of multi-year investments to improve and build schools for Nova Scotia's students.

"Healthy learning environments are key to our students' success in school and in life," said Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke, on behalf of Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "Major renovations will extend the life of these schools so they can continue serving our students well."

Baddeck Academy is getting $6.2 million to replace the high school wing and refurbish the elementary wing. The gym and stage area will be enhanced and classrooms will get technology wiring upgrades.

There will be ventilation, electrical, mechanical and plumbing upgrades, new fixtures and a new elevator to replace the current chair lift. A roof replacement currently underway will be completed. The renovations will begin in 2007 and be completed in 2012.

"This is good news for students in the areas of Baddeck, Middle River and the north shore who are served by Baddeck Academy," said Keith Bain, vice-chair of the Cape Breton-Victoria School Board. "We appreciate the province's commitment to our students with this renovation for a safe, healthy school."

The Strait Regional School Board will have renovations at two schools.

East Richmond Education Centre in St. Peters will get a new gym and classrooms to bring all of its Primary to Grade 8 students together under one roof. They are currently in two separate buildings. The school's old gym will be converted into a cafeteria. The $3.7 million renovation will begin in 2007 and be completed in 2011.

The Strait Area Education Recreation Centre will get a $5.85 million renovation beginning in 2004 and ending in 2011. The improvements include construction of a new heating plant, upgrades to the building exterior, ventilation, washrooms and exterior lighting. There will also be technology wiring upgrades, a new gym floor and interior improvements and re-configuration.

"These are good schools that have a lot of life left in them," said George Kehoe, chair of the Strait District School Board. "We're pleased that the province is investing in our schools and in our communities with these improvements."

Two schools in the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial will also be renovated.

Centre scolaire étoile de l'Acadie in Sydney is getting $1.35 million in renovations. An upgrade to the sports field began in 2002. That project will continue along with the addition of classrooms and a bus loop. The work will be completed by 2011.

École NDA in Cheticamp is getting $5.25 million for renovations. Work began on the school's gym in 2002. This project will continue with replacement of the floor.

Other renovations will include classroom re-configuration, technology wiring upgrades, auditorium upgrade and washroom and science lab relocation. The school will also get new lights, windows and carpet, electrical upgrades, a heating system overhaul, ventilation and ceiling improvements, and a new bus loop. The renovations will be completed in 2007.

"We're very happy about this renovation financed by the Department of Education, which will improve the well being of our students and our staff members," said Guy LeBlanc, superintendent of the Acadian Board.

School boards submit their priorities for new schools and renovations to the Department of Education. The department asks a capital construction committee to review the board priorities in order to develop a provincial priority list. The committee has representatives from the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, and the departments of Education, Finance, and Transportation and Public Works.