A brand new school could be in the cards for Richard McBride Elementary if the district decides to replace the aging school.
Seismic upgrades and building envelope work, estimated to cost $18 million, have already been approved in principle for the elementary school at 331 Richmond St.
But before the district gets final approval from the province, it must submit a project definition report and as part of this report, the district plans to include an option outlining a possible replacement of the school.
“It would be a normal expectation of the ministry that all reasonable options are assessed in the (project definition report),” secretary-treasurer Kevin Lorenz said in an email to the Record.
Staff are currently in discussions with contractors to determine how much it would cost to replace Richard McBride Elementary compared to the $18 million it’s estimated the upgrade project would cost.
Enrolment at Richard McBride Elementary over the past five years has remained consistent, fluctuating between 395 and 416 students.
The project definition report is expected to be complete later this spring, and Lorenz expects it will include a replacement option.
