Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
Sioux North High School
On Monday, March 18, 2019, our new school in Sioux Lookout, Sioux North High School, opened its doors to welcome students and staff for the first time. On May 22, 2019, we held the official Grand Opening of the new school.
Check out the live stream from the Sioux North Grand Opening:
The new building is home to more than 500 students from diverse backgrounds and a dedicated and passionate staff. At a cost of $30 million, features of the building include:
- Many large window and glass features throughout the building allowing for plenty of natural light and open areas.
- A sizeable multi-purpose cafeteria/auditorium (or cafetorium) with full dramatic arts capabilities, including telescopic seating, integrated lighting, elevated stage, and a sophisticated sound system.
- New, state of the art equipment and spaces for shop classes, science labs, communication labs and food and nutrition programs.
- New furniture throughout the building.
- A large and bright library with a wall of windows including a variety of seating options and work stations for students.
- A gym with a hardwood floor and large windows that fill the gym with natural light.
- A new music room with skylights to allow natural light in and all new instruments to support the music program.
The new school also includes spaces for our partners, including Confederation College and FIREFLY.
We were proud to have our new school featured in Award Magazine, an Canadian architectural publication. Click here to view the October edition (Sioux North feature can be found on page 73.)
Background
To view the time-lapse of the Sioux North construction project, check out the above video at 1:02.
In April 2014, the KPDSB announced, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Education, the allocation of $30 million to build a replacement school for Queen Elizabeth District High School in Sioux Lookout. The architect contract for the new building was appointed to Evans Bertrand Hill Wheeler Architecture Inc. in July 2014, with the construction contract being awarded to Everstrong Construction Limited in August 2016 following two years of planning and consultations. Official construction of the building, following site preparation, began in the summer of 2017.
A site blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was held in November 2015. In April 2017, following the work of a naming committee, Trustees approved the new name Sioux North High School for the new school, honouring the suggestion of students on the naming committee to name the school Sioux North. A student logo contest resulted in a new logo for the school.
Capital Priorities
The Capital Priorities for the next five years for the KPDSB were submitted to the Ministry of Education on September 30, 2019. Our Capital Priority submissions include new school build requests, addition and renovation large capital projects, childcare renovation or addition projects and other large capital projects. Following evaluation of our long-term capital plan (approved in March 2016), as well as ongoing deferred capital renewal requirements, the following met the Capital Priority submission eligibility requirements:
- Valleyview Public School – replacement school on the existing site
- Savant Lake Public School – replacement school on the existing site
The Ministry of Education will now evaluate the submissions and follow up with boards for additional justification questions and provide feedback on the current submissions. If awarded any of the capital priorities, projects are to be completed by the 2023-2024 school year.
Capital Renewal Projects 2018-2020
Approaching the 2018-19 school year, Facilities staff were preparing for the largest volume of capital renewal projects to be undertaken by our Board. Since September 2018, over $13 million in renovations have occurred in KPDSB schools to enhance the learning environment, improve energy efficiencies, and extend the life cycles of all of our buildings. This total does not include the major capital project of Sioux North High School.
Project Update Highlights:
Beaver Brae Secondary School (Kenora)
- On track to be completed ahead of schedule (original completion timeline was February 1, 2020)
- All learning areas are now occupied with the exception of the lower level which is currently under renovation (final phase)
- Many areas are still undergoing items of completion in order to make the spaces fully functional
- Crews are working night shifts to complete the work with limited disruption to students
- To date, the total project budget is tracking below what was expected overall
Ear Falls Public School
Our Kindergarten students at Ear Falls Public School have been keeping the community updated on the school’s renovations in their segment called ‘Kindergarten News’. View one of their newscasts below!
- Total completion of the project is expected for December 2019
- All classrooms are occupied and fully functional with ongoing completion of remaining items occurring after hours
- Permanent main office and front entrance were functioning as of September 17, 2019
Childcare Spaces:
Open Roads Public School (Dryden)
- Outdoor space to be completed summer of 2020
New Prospect Public School (Dryden)
- Interior fitments completed in spring 2019
- Outdoor space mostly completed fall 2018
- Remaining items to be completed in conjunction with school outdoor space upgrades and landscaping
Sioux Mountain Public School (Sioux Lookout)
- Work completed over summer 2019 for interior Childcare suite and EarlyON program
- Outdoor space to be completed in conjunction with school playground enhancements in spring/summer 2020
Evergreen Public School (Kenora)
- Construction to begin December 2019
- First phase is the expansion of the Childcare area
- Renovations will not interfere with classroom learning spaces or existing Childcare space
- Following phases will provide enhancements to the gymnasium, existing childcare and exterior accessibility and playground components
Keewatin Public School (Kenora)
- Construction to begin end of December 2019
- First phase is the expansion of the Childcare area
- Subsequent phases will commence in the spring of 2020 and continue over the summer and fall as part of the planned comprehensive building upgrade
Future Capital Renewal Works
Facilities and Procurement have begun preparation for the 2019-20 capital renewal project list. We are working on tender packages, contractors have work underway, vendors are supplying product, and schools are being retrofitted with these new upgrades while classes are in session. This school year there is potential to expend a further $10 million in School Condition Improvement (SCI) funding, Childcare capital funding, School Renewal funding and other various approved funding initiatives.
As we upgrade our schools, we are seeing decreased utility costs, increased material durability, and improved indoor environmental quality. This enhances the environment in which our students learn.
