The public school board may have to spend as much as $10 million to renovate Aurora’s Wells Street Public School after the town designated it a heritage building.
The designation severely limits and dictates what the school board can do with the 89-year-old building, York Region District School Board spokesperson Ross Virgo said.
Last September, the school remained closed as students were forced to attend class at Aurora Grove Public School due to safety concerns about Wells Street’s aging foundation.
The board asked architects what it would take to bring the building up to code and hired an architect with experience in the assessment and restoration of heritage buildings to provide recommendations on the historical features and elements and how to restore it, board spokesperson Ross Virgo said.
In its feasibility study, IBI Group Architects and R.J. Burnside & Associates said the board is facing three “expensive” options, Mr. Virgo said.
The board could embark on a minimum retrofit, which would cost just more than $5 million; a complete retrofit, with a bill of just more than $10 million; or the construction of a new building with heritage facade retained, which would cost just more than $8 million.
If the school board decides to fully overhaul the structure, it will take about two years to complete.
The study has yet to be discussed at a a board meeting.
“Doing nothing is not a responsible option,” superintendent of education Karen Friedman said.
“Similarly, making a quick decision on one of the renewal options without understanding the long-term need for the school would not be responsible.”
Before any decisions are made, education director Bill Hogarth wants to ensure it can meet the needs of the growing community.
For example, the school can accommodate 150 people, including staff and students, but growth projections show 329 spaces will be needed.
Mr. Hogarth will make a recommendation at a monthly board meeting June 19 at 8 p.m.
A letter sent home to parents of the Wells Street Public School community points out these reviews require extensive community input, according to the Education Act, therefore, parents and community members should be assured they will have their chance to comment during community meetings from this fall to next spring.
“It is important to note that the creation of a student accommodation review does not mean the school has been or will be slated to close,” Ms Friedman said.
Peter Lauwers, a legal specialist of school property management, will make a presentation at the May 29 board meeting, which begins at 8 p.m., to explain details of how to assess future enrolment needs. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Anyone wanting to comment on the feasibility study can contact Lori Barnes at 905-727-0022 to schedule a presentation.
Here are the options:
1: Minimal retrofit, including the minimum level of structural retrofit including architectural repair to selective walls, floor and ceiling finishes, including asbestos removal, floor structure and interior screens as well as the repairing of plumbing and electrical systems. Cost: $5.2 million.
2: Complete retrofit, including the building to the board’s prototype elementary school 2009 standards. It includes all retrofitting in Option 1, but more extensive site work, electrical, plumbing and structural repair. Cost: $10.7 million.
3: New building with the heritage facade retained including construction of a new school within the existing footprint, while stabilizing and retaining the north, south and east walls of the 1923 structure to meet heritage requirements. Cost: $8.6 million.