WEYBURN - Although there have been a few tentative movements toward a major refurbishment and renovations at the Estevan Comprehensive School within the next eight to 10 years, some significant improvements need to be undertaken soon to keep the facility relevant and operational in the shorter term.
That comes with a cost, said Andy Dobson, manager of facilities and transportation for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division.
Dobson indicated a major replacement of the school’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are required soon at an estimated cost of $8.5 million.
Two original boilers are well past their lifespan, Dobson stated, since they are now 58 years old.
The school is in dire need of upgrades on the system controls, and failing steam traps and circulation lines need to be addressed, while circulation fan walls need to be right sized, he explained.
Estevan trustee Kevin Keating, who joined the Feb. 12 board’s open business meeting through online access, noted that beginning steps had been made a few years ago that had apparently launched a long-range plan that would see the re-do of ECS followed by the construction of a new, larger elementary school in partnership with the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division that would accommodate all elementary school grades in one facility.
Keating said it was a reminder to all that there were early plans in place, but no definitive action had ensued through the provincial government and therefore by SECPSD either.
Dobson suggested that it was his guess that no notable capital project for ECS and SECPSD would be forthcoming until the new $38.6 million K-12 school had been completed and put in use in Carlyle. That targeted date is probably going to be in the early part of 2028, he said.
The Carlyle project is currently in the final planning stages by the overseeing architects.
The second minor capital project application that is going out to the ministry is for upgrades at McNaughton High School in Moosomin.
The school refreshment there will include new code compliance, accessibility and PAA enhancements, plus indoor air quality and fire suppression and electrical upgrades.
The motion to proceed with an application for these two capital projects was passed with a unanimous vote.
