The transformation of the former Doctor MacDougall public elementary school in North Bay will begin in about 30 days.
The Nipissing DSSAB has awarded the $5 million-plus project to Vennasse Construction of North Bay after sifting through about a half dozen bids.
DSSAB CEO Joe Bradbury says Venasse will totally modernize the former school which, once complete will offer children’s services that are Aboriginal culturally based.
However, Bradbury says the centre’s children’s services will be all-inclusive meaning they’re open to all children.
The project is a collaboration of the DSSAB, area First Nations and the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre.
“The Doctor MacDougall project is the largest of its kind in an urban setting across Ontario,” Bradbury said.
“Once complete, it wraps medical supports around children and children supports. This is all about making sure the young ones in our community are looked after.”
Bradbury says the completed centre will feature Aboriginal medical services, and Aboriginal Ontario Early Years site plus 87 new child care spaces.
The goal is the have it open by this Christmas.
Bradbury says the project involves installing new plumbing and electrical as well as creating all new rooms.
He says Venasse will carry out some exterior work which includes erecting a wooden fence that surrounds the former school.
The interior had already been gutted prior to Venasse winning the renovation bid.
Funding for the project is mostly covered from grants from the federal and provincial governments.
Bradbury says a small part not covered by both levels of government will be paid for by DSSAB through a loan it will pay off over 10 years.
This is the second former school the DSSAB acquired in North Bay that it repurposed, the first being the former Marshall Park elementary school which was transformed into a seniors’ affordable housing complex last fall.
Overall, this is the third school DSSAB has repurposed.
The third school is in South Algonquin in the Town of Whitney where DSSAB is creating a hub for children’s services and early years centre.
“Repurposing a school is a smart strategy,” Bradbury said.
“A lot will sit empty for quite a while. We’re happy to partner with the school board to develop strategies to create new life in the areas.”
The former MacDougall school will re-open under a new name which the Aboriginal community will provide.
Bradbury says as for the jobs that the facility will be hired, they will be a combination of full and part-time and the First Nations will be responsible for this.
The centre is expected to be open by this Christmas, with an official opening ceremony to follow at a later time.
