The Province is giving the Near North District School Board $20 million to build a new elementary school that will consolidate three schools. The new facility will support the consolidation of two junior kindergarten to Grade 6 schools that are currently located less than five kilometres apart.
According to Vic Fedeli, MPP Nipissing's website, the Province has approved to tender a new replacement school for the former W.J. Fricker Senior Public School and EW Norman Public School. The $20 million investment will provide a new, quality learning environment for the students of North Bay.
The new school will also include new childcare rooms and an EarlyON Child and Family Centre. MPP Fedeli stated that this project is part of the province's capital investment program to support students with better learning spaces.
"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. This school build has been a priority of our board since elected and we have worked diligently to make it happen."
Chair of Board of Trustees for Near North District School Board | Jay Aspin
Ontario's investment in new and updated schools will create the foundation for a modern learning environment for hundreds of students across the province.
The new school construction will include:
- 308 student spaces for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6
- 73 new licensed childcare spaces
- Four new childcare rooms
- An EarlyON Child and Family Centre
The WJ Fricker Replacement School will be located on the existing site which is 790 Norman Avenue in North Bay, Ontario.
"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."
Director of Education of Near North District School Board | Craig Myles
To create new opportunities for Ontario's families, the government is investing up to $1 billion to create up to 30,000 new childcare spaces in schools over five years.
Northern Ontario CTV News states that 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.
The funding could also be used to replace aging heating or air conditioning systems, repair roofs and windows, and install important accessibility features like elevators and ramps.
Construction on the new North Bay school is expected to be completed by September 2023.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - NNDSB North Bay New Elementary School Build (0015082021)
