Construction Set to Begin on Truro Elementary School

The second of two new elementary schools for the Truro area got its official start today, May 28, as Education Minister Karen Casey joined principal Scott Armstrong, students, parents, teachers, school board and government officials to unveil the preliminary plans.

The school is an $8.5-million investment by the province, and will serve about 560 students from Primary to Grade 5. It will bring students together from Princess Margaret Rose, St. Mary's, Willow Street, and Douglas Street schools.

"We are honouring our commitment in the 2003 capital construction program by building safe, healthy schools for our students," said Ms. Casey. "I am very much aware of the positive impact this new school will have on the community. It will be a source of pride and a centre of activity for students and families."

The school's design will get a number of enhancements as a result of community support:

• the cafeteria will be expanded by 1,000 square feet to 3,264 square feet;
• the gymnasium will be increased from 5,240 to 7,500 square feet;
• two more changing rooms will be added to the gymnasium; and
• bleacher seating will be added to the gymnasium

"This new school will provide for increased learning opportunities, greater collaboration and team teaching, all in a bright and spacious learning environment, both indoors and out," said Noel Hurley, superintendent of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board. "The new school community will build on best practices already in place in these four schools. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in bringing this project to this stage."

The school board will announce the school's official name at a later date.

The architecture firm Fowler, Bauld and Mitchell was awarded the design contract in February. The construction contract is expected to be awarded in August. The Department of Transportation and Public Works will oversee the construction of the school.

Construction is expected to begin this summer, with occupancy by September 2008.

This elementary school, along with Harmony Heights Elementary in Salmon River, were announced in 2003. The schools are being built through the province's eight-year, $400-million capital construction program.