Algoma District School Board Advances Major Capital Projects

The Algoma District School Board (ADSB) is progressing with several significant capital projects aimed at enhancing educational facilities across the district. During a meeting on October 24, 2023, ADSB officials provided updates on various initiatives, including the construction of the new Three Rivers JK-12 School in Blind River.

Joe Santa Maria, the ADSB associate director of corporate services and operations, confirmed that construction at the Three Rivers site is on schedule. This facility will serve both ADSB and Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord, accommodating 381 students from junior kindergarten through grade 12, along with 64 daycare spaces and 72 French-language elementary spaces.

“All the interior work is happening as we speak. Walls are currently up, and preparations for painting and flooring installation are underway,” Santa Maria stated. The completion of the building is anticipated for spring 2026, with the opening for students planned for September 2026, if not sooner.

Revamping White Pines Collegiate

Another notable project is the extensive renovation of the technical shops at White Pines Collegiate. This initiative, set to be completed by the end of summer 2024, will transform the existing spaces into the White Pines Technology Centre.

“This is a complete re-do of every room in that shop area,” Santa Maria explained. The demand for courses in these newly upgraded facilities has surged, reflecting the excitement surrounding the new technology centre.

Recent graduate Josh Sidwell, who completed his studies at White Pines in 2017, is currently overseeing the construction as a site superintendent for contractor Sal-Dan Developments. His involvement underscores the connection between local education and community development.

Enhancements at H.M. Robbins Public School

The ADSB is also working on a project at H.M. Robbins Public School, which includes an addition of 26 pupil places and a retrofit that will feature a daycare facility with 64 spaces. Santa Maria indicated that the daycare is the final component of this project, which is expected to be completed by the end of December 2023 or January 2024.

Jennifer Sarlo, chair of the ADSB, highlighted the positive trend of integrating daycare services within schools. “What a positive collaboration. It’s good for our schools, it’s good for the daycares. It’s an excellent joint use of facilities,” she noted. This project was made possible through additional funding of $8.9 million from the Ontario Ministry of Education, announced in November 2024.

Santa Maria commended the contractors for their efforts in managing timelines effectively. “They’re miracle workers. They fit in five to six months of work in two months during the summer,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of completing projects while minimizing disruptions to school operations.

As of now, 33 ADSB schools have undergone renovations, with the board investing approximately $15 million annually in capital projects. Furthermore, an additional $60 million has been allocated from the province for both the Three Rivers JK-12 School and the H.M. Robbins project.

The ADSB’s operations budget committee will convene in November 2023 to discuss and approve proposed capital projects for 2026, ensuring continued investment in the region’s educational infrastructure.