The Ministry of Education has approved some additional funding for the construction of a new school in Markdale after bids came in over budget.
A report to the board’s business committee says the Ministry provided the necessary approval on May 30, allowing the project to proceed.
“The new Beavercrest School construction is ready to begin after site approval and building permits are in place,” says Bluewater School Board Superintendent of Business Services Rob Cummings, noting the expectation formal approvals will come in the near future.
The Bluewater District School Board received approval from the province in January for more than $15-million in funding to replace the current Beavercrest Community School in Markdale.
The new facility will be built for nearly 330 students. It will also include rooms for childcare and EarlyON.
The new school is going to be located adjacent to the current Beavercrest School — which is on Main Street in Markdale — and face onto a new road that will be constructed in a subdivision.
Cummings says the current long-term target for the project is an expectation of occupancy in late 2024 or early 2025, but cautions there are many different variables that could alter the timeline.