Construction of the new catholic elementary school in Smith Falls is officially underway.
On Monday the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) held a groundbreaking ceremony at 4 Ross Street, the site of St. Luke Catholic High School and where the new 423 student JK-grade 8 facility will be built. During the gathering Father Rod McNeil of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Smith Falls blessed the site for an audience that included CDSBEO administrative members, government dignitaries and architects for the project.
The Ministry of Education approved funding for the school last fall after a business case was submitted. The new school is going to replace the existing St. Francis de Sales and St. James the Greater elementary schools. Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow said he was happy for the chance to improve the community, adding it was a “very progressive move for the province and the Board to recognize Smiths Falls as a place that is growing, and as a great place to raise a family.” The first stage of preparations is now in full gear, with equipment on-site and ready to begin the first phase of the construction process. Ruiter Construction has been hired to provide construction management services.
Representatives from the CDSBEO say there will also be a pre-school and toddler child care program on site, as well as a community support centre that will be supported by Lanark County. The facility has a loose opening date of September 2018.
