It took quite a bit of discussion for an agreement on the new expansion for École Allain St-Cyr.
The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Alfred Moses was at the ground-breaking ceremony on Friday. He commended the group responsible for putting everything together.
“The work on this project has been a collaboration of many years, and I commend all partners involved for their dedication.”
The early plans for the expansion was decided in early Spring. With an investment of nearly $12.8 million from the Government of the Northwest Territories, the construction project will include a gymnasium with a stage, two multi-purpose classrooms, and instructional spaces for students with special needs, as well as open areas for students.
Minister of Infrastructure, Wally Schumann, was also at the ceremony. He believes the project will be beneficial in the long run.
“The designs of the gymnasium, the additional multi-use classrooms and the spaces to accommodate special-needs students are innovative, and we know this will support learning and student growth for years to come.”
Allain St-Cyr is the only francophone school in Yellowknife. The city has always had a devoted French community and according to Moses, the ceremony was an example of that.
“The francophone population in Yellowknife is thriving, and I am pleased to see the enthusiasm and commitment to this project that will only enhance the francophone community’s presence and education opportunities in the North.”
The school currently holds 161 students. With the expansion, the number is surely to increase.
Construction is expected to be completed by 2018.
