A joint-use facility is the future way forward for Jasper Junior/Senior High after the GYRD board of trustees voted unanimously in favour of pursing that option at their regular board meeting last Wednesday (March 1).

“The positives for students especially, staff and the community, far out way the negatives,” said Jasper trustee Gilbert Wall of Jasper. “Working with another board accomplishes our goals, the community’s goals and the francophone board’s goals. It also provides some flexibility in the future.”

Wall also mentioned the meetings held to canvass the prospect of a dual-use school.

“It was an exhaustive consultative process, and I am confident that the wide range of ideas and concerns brought to me during the last six months were part of the board’s discussion both at this meeting, and in prior conversations with trustees.”

The board had a choice between three seperate options, two that involved a joint-use school and a third that called for separate school structures. They voted in favour of “Option B” the design that had been supported by the architect. This plan leaves the gymnasium in its current location, with expansion to the south for a total gym size of 758 square metres. A small addition would be constructed to the south of the current Industrial Arts area to accommodate two additional classrooms for Jasper Jr/Sr High. A new addition would be constructed to the east to accommodate École Desrochers, as well as a science classroom that would be accessible to both schools. Option B is estimated to cost $13,711,713. 

The addition and expansion of classroom space will be accompanied by an extensive modernization of the existing heating and elecrical systems.

“The school is in need of a major renovation”, said GYRD Director of Facilities and Maintenance Ken Baluch, “it has not been renovated in many years and is nearing the end of its life cycle”. 

Construction is estimated at about 18 months, and Wall acknowledged that it will be disruptive to students.

“We will need to proceed cautiously, with careful planning,” he said.

The Conseil Scolaire Centre Nord has also voted to proceed with the project.