April 17, 2014
Province Announces Two New School Gym Projects Under Construction in South Winnipeg
– – –Additions will Encourage Students to Get Active, Participate in Sports: Minister Allum
Students at École St. Avilaand Fort Richmond Collegiate will soon benefit from new investments in Manitoba schools, Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum announced today.
“Families have told us the importance of investing in our schools and to keep building in our growing communities,” said Minister Allum. “These projects will benefit students every day and make a difference in their lives and the surrounding community.”
Construction is currently underway on a renovation and expansion of the École St. Avila gym, while Fort Richmond Collegiate will benefit from a 10,194-square-foot fitness addition on which construction is also about to begin.
École St. Avila is a kindergarten to Grade 6 immersion school with over 350 students. The expansion will create an additional 2,500-sq.-ft. gym space, barrier-free access improvements and a new mechanical room and gymnasium storage room. Renovations will include extensive improvements to change areas, structural and fire-safety upgrades to adjoining spaces in the existing school and a new roof for the existing gym and addition.
“Our current facility is well used by students and the local community,” said Cheryl Chuckry, principal École St. Avila. “Most evenings of the week are booked by community groups using it for a variety of purposes, so this will be a wonderful addition and improvement for both the school and community.”
Once complete, Fort Richmond Collegiate’s new healthy living centre will include space for health and nutrition classes, fitness activities, weight training and numerous other program opportunities.
“With mandatory physical education and health in grades 11 and 12 and a growing school population, we have been in need of more space for some time,” said Lisa Boles, principal, Fort Richmond Collegiate. “This new additional space will be great to meet that need.”
Fort Richmond Collegiate is a grade 10 to 12 high school with an enrolment of approximately 1,080.
“Physical education in our schools helps to establish healthy habits in students at an early age and teaches them about the importance of physical fitness,” said Julie Fisher, board trustee, Pembina Trails School Division. “As a parent with children attending St. Avila, I know these additions will be a wonderful asset for both students and the broader community.”
The province is providing a total of $6.15 million in funding for both expansions, which are expected to be completed by next year, Minister Allum said.
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