New School for Whycocomagh Confirmed

The province has approved a new school for Whycocomagh in Inverness County.

"I visited the school in September -- anyone who visits can see the need," Education Minister Jane Purves said today. "Students are crowded into worn out portables, the library is the size of a meeting room and the roof and windows leak. Quite simply, Whycocomagh has great school spirit, but their school building is in bad, bad shape."

The new Primary through Grade 8 school will include a science classroom and technology lab; a library, resource and multimedia centre; arts room; technology and family studies centre; and gymnasium and stage. The school -- home to about 200 students -- will also have a cafeteria.

The new Whycocomagh school will have an environmental focus, based on vision and plans developed by the school, community members and the Strait Regional School Board. Opportunities to expand the community access project, or CAP, site are also being considered. This should give the community increased access to technology, so the school remains an educational resource in the heart of Whycocomagh.

"I encourage the school-steering team and Strait Regional School Board to begin working as soon as possible, so the new school truly reflects their vision," said the minister.

The current school had been approved for major renovations in 1997, which was followed by a facilities assessment by the Department of Transportation and Public Works. The assessment determined that the deteriorating condition of the building made new construction more cost-effective than renovations.

The target opening date is September 2001. The target date will be confirmed in the new year once government has advice from its cost-benefit analysis on financing for all new schools.