The back campus of Wallaceburg District Secondary School looks more like a battle field at the moment, as opposed to a multi-sport facility. However, when the construction work is complete, the improvements will benefit WDSS for many years to come.
Construction work is in full swing at Wallaceburg’s high school.
Henry Heyink Construction is leading the $319,701.50 project that will improve the track and field facilities at the Wallaceburg school.
The bid was originally $521,781.50, however $202,080 was removed for the rubberized track and top soil portion of the project.
“The rubberized surface and topsoil option for the school track were removed from the tender award in order to keep the overall tender price within the total budget for the project,” a Lambton-Kent District School Board staff report states. “School renewal funds in the 2016/17 budget will be used to add the rubberized surface to the track.”
A total of $182,240 from the school renewal will be used to make up the difference in cost.
A $1,650,190 has been approved to renovate the library and fitness facility at WDSS as well.
These projects are happening after the LKDSB was approved for a capital priorities grant of $2,250,000 in 2013-14 by the Ministry of Education, to be used for the WDSS consolidation.
Jim Costello, director of education, told the Sydenham Current last August the improvements are geared towards making the entire school better, from Grade 7 to Grade 12.
“When we do an accommodation review, we like to recognize the fact that the community has closed a school and sometimes the trade off when you close a school is you get an improved learning environment for your students,” he said.
“That is what we wanted. We have an iPad project in that school where all the Grade 9’s get iPads. It’s nice that we can offer a good learning environment with a nice facility coupled with good state-of-the-art equipment for the students. Hopefully that will make the results of the ARC be accepted a little better.”
Facility enhancements for the Lambton-Kent Composite School in Dresden were also expected to begin in July, however shovels have yet to be seen in the ground.
C&C Enterprises Electrical Construction Ltd. was awarded the $555,211 project.
The project includes upgrades to the soccer fields and baseball diamond and a new track and field facility.
