The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is undertaking a total of $142 million in construction projects during the 2017-18 school year.
The board is moving ahead with its $108.5-million renewal strategy aimed at compensating for school closures.
"We are thrilled to be in the midst of an unprecedented period of new construction at HWDSB, as we invest in improved school facilities, so that our students, staff and community can benefit from outstanding learning environments," said HWDSB chair and Ward 5 Trustee, Todd White, in a statement.
One of the projects in the works is the new North Secondary School, valued at $27 million, which was awarded to Guelph-based Tambro construction. Several others will soon go out for tender.
"We are very happy our new North Secondary School project has been tendered, awarded and is now underway near Tim Hortons Field. We expect three more large projects to be tendered this year: the new Henderson Secondary School, the new Greensville elementary and the new Beverly Central elementary school.
"Next year and beyond, you will see the other four projects: new Eastdale and new Memorial in Stoney Creek, a new Glen Brae in East Hamilton and an elementary school in the growth area of Summit Park in Glanbrook," said White.
"We work from a prequalified list of contractors who meet our criteria for institutional construction, but invite all companies to be part of this prequalification process when it reopens."
In addition to what was already in the works or in the planning stages for HWDSB construction projects, last month, the province allocated another $33.5 million to the board in capital funding.
This is part of its School Consolidation Capital program, in which the ministry funds capital projects to support school boards. This year the government has approved funding for 38 projects totalling over $225 million province-wide, which includes enough to fund three HWDSB projects.
"Our ministry is providing $33.5 million to support three projects for Hamilton-Wentworth DSB, including a new, 495-pupil place replacement elementary school, a new 682-pupil place replacement elementary school and a 213-pupil place elementary addition, all of which will include three child care rooms," said Heather Irwin, senior media relations co-ordinator for the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Education Minister Mitzie Hunter announced the funding in June at Glen Brae Elementary School in Hamilton’s east end, one of the HWDSB’s buildings slated for closure.
Hamilton’s share of the provincial cash injunction includes the new schools, plus nine child-care rooms and an addition to Collegiate Avenue Elementary School in Stoney Creek.
"We appreciate the hard work of trustees and board staff to secure such a large share of available funding, and the generous support of the province of Ontario’s Ministry of Education," said White.
In total, the additions create 1,390 student spaces.
The Hamilton projects are among 10 new schools, 28 renovations and a combined total of 460 new licensed child care spaces for young children and their families scheduled for construction in the province.
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