Pearson set to raise the roof on schools

BY ALBERT KRAMBERGER

editor@transcontinental.ca

The Lester B. Pearson School is set to spend about $20 million on major repairs and renovations to its network of schools over the course of the next 12 months.

One major project is the $7.5-million electrotechnology centre being built in the former Bishop Whelan high-school building in Lachine, said Pearson secretary-general Bill Stockwell. The costs include renovations and new equipment. The centre is slated to open in November.

Meanwhile, $3.5 million is being spent on an addition to Westwood High School’s junior campus in St. Lazare. This much-needed expansion will add seven classrooms and two classrooms with lab facilities, amongst other improvements. The expansion will make room for another 270 students, with 466 students there now. Pearson officials hope most of the work will be completed by the time students come back from summer vacation in late August.

Last week, the board approved $3.3 million in roof and window repairs at seven schools, including Christmas Park in Beaconsfield, Dorset in Baie d’Urfé, Dorval Elementary, Lindsay Place High School and St. John Fisher in Pointe Claire, Orchard in LaSalle, and Sunshine Academy in Dollard des Ormeaux.