Masonville Public School construction to go ahead, but more costly

The province has approved the Thames Valley District School board's request to go ahead with renovating Masonville Public School, but the board will have to cover almost $2.5 million in additional construction costs.

The province will cover the $6 million renovation at the school, where there are more than a dozen portablesfor almost half of the school's 600 students, local officials were told yesterday.

The renovation includes building a double gymnasium andconverting the current gym into a library learning commons, additional renovations that were officially approved by the province this week.

"It feels great and I know it's going to be a big relief for many parents, knowing that we can get going on this. This has been in the works for a long time," said Thames Valley trustee Jake Skinner.

"I would love if it was happening two years ago, that would have been best, but I'm just happy and grateful that we've been given the green light."

Reno cost now $8.4 million

The ministry of education approved the original $6 million renovation in March 2018, under the former Liberal government, but the project was in limbo after the Conservatives took power in June. The school board has sincerealized itneedsto renovate more of the school than originally planned, said Susan Marks, the superintendent of facility services and capital planning at the school board.

"Our original business case was based on enrolment numbers from 2016/2017, and since then enrolment has increased," Marks said.

"You reach a point where you have enough kids for a double gym. So we went back to the ministry and said, 'Here's this change.'"

Yesterday, the school board has learned it can go ahead with the project and the ministry has approved the board's request to use $2.4 million to cover additional construction costs, pending the approval of the board of trustees.

That means the project will now cost almost $8.4 million, plus inside work such as painting and upgrading the HVACsystem.

Marks said she doesn't know how increased construction costs, many of which have risen because of American tariffs, will impact the project.

The school board is still waiting on word about other construction projects, such as an addition and renovation at Tweedsmuir Public School and a new school for southeast London, in Summerside.