Groundbreaking for Eight-Classroom Addition at St. Joseph’s High

Construction has commenced on an eight-classroom addition at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School, following a groundbreaking ceremony held on the morning of October 20, 2023. This expansion responds to the increasing enrollment in the East Riverside area, as highlighted by Andrew Dowie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, who noted, “East Riverside continues to grow. We know this neighborhood is going to intensify. It’s inevitable.”

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) has approved a bid of $2.9 million from Alliance General Contracting of Windsor Inc. to carry out the construction. The addition will be situated on the north side of the school and is designed by Sfera Architectural Associates Inc., which plans for a two-story facility capable of accommodating up to sixteen classrooms in the future. Architect John Bortolotti emphasized the forward-thinking nature of the design, stating, “The design that we did was for a full 16 classrooms, a two-story addition.”

Students have expressed the necessity of this expansion. Hannah Etches, a student at the school, explained the challenges posed by the current portables, particularly during the colder months and rainy seasons. “The portables are really a lot during the winter months and during the rainy season. It’s hard to just go outside in the cold. And if it’s pouring rain, you’re all soaked. Sometimes it can be quite cold in the portables as well. The classrooms seem crowded, and the hallways are very crowded as well.”

The need for additional space is underscored by the school’s current enrollment, which has already exceeded its capacity. Lisa Soulliere, Chair of the WECDSB, remarked, “Seeing this project moving ahead will come as welcome news to the community.”

Excitement is palpable among the staff and students, with Emelda Byrne, Director of Education for the WECDSB, stating, “This is a very exciting time for the staff and students at St. Joseph’s.” The anticipated completion date for this vital addition is set for December 2026, marking a significant step forward in meeting the educational needs of the growing community.

As construction progresses, the community will closely watch the developments, eager to see the positive impact this new addition will have on students’ educational experience.