New Beavercrest Community School Concept (Image from Bluewater District School Board website)
The new Beavercrest Community School will not be ready for its planned opening date this September.
The Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) held a Business Committee meeting yesterday afternoon where an update was received on the construction of the new 328 student school in Markdale.
Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer Andrew Low says the delayed opening for the school is a result of a number of factors.
“Additional winter construction due to the final timing of the award of the contract is one of them. There has been some supply chain issues that are being worked through, as well as the planned addition of two more classrooms being added to accommodate enrolment in the Markdale area,” says Low.
Low says the board will continue to operate the existing school as per usual this fall, and will later be able to determine an opening date.
“It’s a little early to say, but we will continue to monitor,” says Low.
He adds there will be no impact to school operations with the delayed opening.
Contractor K&L Construction has completed concrete slab-on-grade work, with above grade load-bearing block work underway. Additionally, the work on the main water, storm and sanitary piping is mostly complete.
Structural steel deliveries have started for building the school’s shell, and school fixture, furnishings and equipment planning has also begun.
This is the latest after the BWDSB held a ground breaking ceremony in July for the location of the new junior kindergarten to grade eight school at 101 Main Street East.
The school will also feature a two-room childcare centre and two-room EarlyON centre.