New elementary school to be built in North Bay
The Ontario government is giving the Near North District School Board $20 million to build a new elementary school that will be used to consolidate three schools.
MPP Vic Fedeli made the announcement Wednesday morning that the province has approved the construction to replace the former W.J. Fricker Senior Public School. The new facility building will support the consolidation of two junior kindergarten to Grade 6 schools that are currently located less than five kilometres apart: ET Carmichael Public School on Chapais Street and EW Norman Public School on Lake Heights Road.
"The new school will also include new childcare rooms and an EarlyON Child and Family Centre," Fedeli said in a news release. "This project is part of the province’s capital investment program to support students with better learning spaces."
Building the new school has been a priority for the school board's trustees, chair Jay Aspin said. The new facility will be built at the site of the former W.J. Fricker school at 790 Norman Avenue which was closed at the end of the 2018-2019 school year. It will accommodate 308 students from junior kindergarten to Grade 6. It will also host four new childcare rooms, 73 new licensed childcare spaces, and a child and family centre.
"This is an important approval for our new Fricker school which will consolidate three schools and enhance elementary education in this section of North Bay. This school will ensure that more students in the city will experience the modern features of a contemporary elementary school," he said.
The funding comes from Ontario's Ministry of Education.
"We appreciate the Ministry of Education’s support of this capital project. We look forward to receiving bids and working with contractors and architects to get this project underway, in the best interest of our staff, families, and most importantly, our students,” said Craig Myles, director of education of Near North District School Board.
This funding is part of a $550 million allocation from the province for the building of new and renovation of existing schools in the 2021-2022 school year. Over the next 10 years, the province plans to spend $14 billion in capital grant projects for schools.
"From modernizing our curriculum to revitalizing our classrooms and their facilities, we are investing in our students and giving them every tool to achieve their full potential," said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. "Our construction of this new elementary school in North Bay further demonstrates our government’s historic investment in Ontario’s schools and our overall commitment to supporting our students and families."
Construction on the new North Bay school is expected to be completed by September 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.