Curtain Up On Digby Regional High School and Theatre

Work will begin soon on a major renovation and addition project that will totally transform Digby Regional High School into a modern facility for students and the community. A contract has been awarded to Force Construction to get the project under way.

Education Minister Jane Purves said the project will benefit both students and the community. "I know the people of Digby have been waiting for this project since the early 1990s, and finally they get a facility that will not only provide a first-class school but also a wonderful new theatre for the entire community to enjoy."

The project was first approved in 1992 as a renovation. In 1997, the Nova Scotia government expanded the renovation plan to include a major addition. The new addition will accommodate more classroom space, as well as the new community theatre complex.

A co-operative effort involving the Southwest Regional School Board, both the town and municipality of Digby, members of the Digby business community and area volunteers turned the theatre from an idea into reality.

Gordon Balser, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, said everyone's hard work paid off.

"People rallied together to raise funds and ensure that the theatre complex would happen," said Mr. Balser. "I congratulate everyone for a job well done and look forward to attending opening night at the new theatre."

Within the next few weeks, Force Construction will begin work on Phase 1, a $1.2-million project consisting of foundation work and development of playfields. Tenders will be called for Phase 2, or project completion, in about three weeks time. The project is scheduled for completion during the 2000-01 school year.