Final year of TOSH renovations underway

Construction continued throughout the summer to expedite project

Although construction work at Three Oaks Senior High will continue this fall, on-site supervisors and the school’s principal say students will see – and hear – a difference compared to last year. “The crew and workers have really stepped it up this summer. It’s really come a long way and a lot of the big construction like the abatement or any loud work that needs to be completed, has been completed,” said TOSH principal Jeff Clow. “And I know last year there were noise complaints and concerns about the air quality, but we’re comfortable with what’s going on. “I have weekly meetings with the crew and site supervisor about the construction process,s and about the abatement and air qualities,” he continued. Recently, government officials and the media toured the completed parts of the facility. Currently about 70 per cent of the renovation is complete following the summer construction.

The project will be more than 85 per cent complete when the gym and changerooms are completed in September, and kitchen, cafeteria and stage areas are finished midOctober. “Crews worked diligently to accelerate interior demolition during the summer months, so we could minimize the impact on students and staff,” said Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy minister Paula Biggar. “All the removal of hazardous material was completed well in advance of the beginning of the school year,” she added. The remainder of the work will include two biology labs, several classrooms, a teacher planning centre, student washrooms and art, computer and general science labs. “Students will have something to look forward to coming into school this year. It’s the same footprint we’ve always known, but it’s like a new building with updated facilities. “Last year was probably the toughest one in dealing with construction. But we’re on the decline of construction with only one year left,” said Clow. The $22.6-million renovation of TOSH is the first major upgrade to the school since it opened in 1976. The renovation is expected to keep the school viable for the next 25 to 30 years. “The student learning experience will be much improved in bright and well-equipped classrooms and labs with interactive technology, breakout rooms that support small group work, and more integrated resource and inclusive education areas,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture minister Jordan Brown.

MILLICENT MCKAY/JOURNAL PIONEER Tyler Richardson, manager of building design and construction for the province, describes the areas of the school that have yet to be completed this fall and into the new year. So far about 70 per cent of the planned Three Oaks renovations have been completed.

MILLICENT MCKAY/JOURNAL PIONEER Thanks to the renovations Three Oaks Senior High has a new lecture room. Prior to construction the school’s lecture theatre was sloped and had limited accessibility. Now the glassed in room can seat about 100 people and provides for more inter-curricular collaboration.