Algoma District School Board Advances Major Capital Projects

Several capital projects overseen by the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) are progressing as scheduled, with updates provided during the board’s recent meeting. The construction of the Three Rivers JK-12 School in Blind River is on track to be completed by spring 2026. This facility will serve both ADSB and the Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord, offering 381 spaces for children from junior kindergarten to grade 12, along with 64 daycare spaces and 72 French-language elementary spaces.

During the meeting, Joe Santa Maria, ADSB’s associate director of corporate services and operations, shared that significant progress has been made on the interior of the building. “All the interior work is happening as we speak. Walls are currently up. A lot of painting will eventually happen. Wood flooring will be put down in the gym and then shops will be set up. It’s starting to come together,” he stated. If all goes well, students could start attending the new school by September 2026, or possibly earlier.

Innovative Upgrades in Local Schools

Another notable project is the extensive renovation of the technical shops at White Pines Collegiate, which will be renamed the White Pines Technology Centre. This ambitious renovation aims to enhance every room in the shop area, with completion anticipated by the end of summer 2024. Santa Maria noted the high enrolment rates in shop courses, attributing this surge to the excitement surrounding the new technology centre.

In a noteworthy example of career advancement, Josh Sidwell, a 2017 graduate of White Pines, is currently overseeing the site as a superintendent for Sal-Dan Developments. His involvement exemplifies the strong connection between local education and workforce development in the region.

Progress is also being made at H.M. Robbins Public School, where a new addition will accommodate 26 pupils along with a daycare facility featuring 64 spaces. “The H.M. Robbins daycare is the last piece of that puzzle. It’s expected to be done by the end of December or January,” stated Santa Maria. The addition of daycare services reflects a growing trend towards partnerships between schools and daycare providers, which Jennifer Sarlo, ADSB board chair, described as a “positive collaboration” that benefits both institutions.

Funding for the H.M. Robbins project includes an allocation of $8.9 million from the Ontario Ministry of Education, announced in November 2024. Santa Maria acknowledged the efforts of the contractors involved, praising their ability to condense extensive work into a short timeframe. “They’re miracle workers. They fit in five to six months of work in two months in July and August so kids can stay in school at the end of June and be ready to go again by September,” he remarked.

Significant Investment in Education

To date, 33 schools within the ADSB have undergone renovations and upgrades, with the board allocating approximately $15 million annually for capital projects. An additional $60 million has been received from the province specifically for the Three Rivers JK-12 School and H.M. Robbins projects.

Looking ahead, the board’s operations budget committee is scheduled to meet in November to evaluate and approve proposed capital projects for 2026, ensuring that progress in educational infrastructure continues to meet community needs. The ongoing developments reflect a commitment to enhancing educational facilities and resources for students across the Algoma District.