ROBINSON ANNOUNCES MAJOR RENOVATIONS
TO DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH SCHOOL

CHURCHILL, Man -- As part of the provincial government's commitment to northern Manitoba communities, Drew Caldwell, Minister of Education, Training and Youth, today approved a major renovation project for the Duke of Marlborough School in Churchill.

Speaking on behalf of Caldwell, Eric Robinson, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, made the announcement at a meeting with the Mayor and Council of Churchill that was part of the premier's Northern Manitoba tour.

"Providing educational opportunities for students and all residents in Northern Manitoba is an important component of the province's Northern Development Strategy," said Robinson. "Today's announcement is a clear indication of our government's commitment to improving educational infrastructure throughout the province. The community of Churchill and residents of the surrounding area will be significantly better served by the extensive renovation project within the town centre complex."

"With this announcement, the Duke of Marlborough School will now be an even better place to learn," said Cam Giavedoni, interim superintendent of the Churchill School Division. "I know the improvements made to the school will serve both the children and the community well and will offer years of enjoyment."

Robinson noted that the Duke of Marlborough School, which houses Kindergarten to Grade 8 students, was built in 1967 and is physically linked to the Churchill Town Centre Complex. In 1975, a high school component was incorporated into the complex.

In recent years, the infrastructure of the elementary/middle years school has deteriorated and has failed to effectively serve the needs of the community. The facility requires significant repairs to the roof, exterior and interior walls as well as the link between the school building and the town centre complex. In addition, significant portions of the school have been vacated as a result of mould problems.

The project will consist of renovations to construct twelve new classrooms, a science/art room, library, computer room, resource room, a multi-purpose/home economics room, an industrial arts room, a preschool room and a kitchenette. Also included in the renovation project are changes to the gymnasium washroom and acquisition of land for a playground space and a bus loop.

Robinson noted that, in addition to enhancing the educational environment for local youth, the construction project will stimulate the local economy and provide employment for local tradespeople.

Caldwell said that today's announcement was representative of the government's overall strategy to ensure that the provincial education system continues to meet the province's future needs. "Our province's public schools have an important role to play in educating our young people today and in the future. For this reason our government has invested well over $120 million in public schools infrastructure over the last two years.

Today's announcement, along with previous investments throughout the province, will go a long way to meet the long-term infrastructure requirements of our education system."

The Duke of Marlborough School will house approximately 240 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and is scheduled for completion in September 2003.