A number of upgrades are set to begin this spring at Chippewa and West Ferris Secondary Schools.
An update on the Near North District School Boards 3:2 consolidation of North Bay’s Secondary Schools was provided at the May board meeting.
Phase two funding was approved last fall with the majority of spending going towards renovating the libraries and auditoriums.
A staff report says renovations to the auditorium at Chippewa include a new curtain system and mechanical track, modernized lighting and new seating, including an area for wheelchair access.
There was also an investment in Phase 2 to support programming.
A classroom at West Ferris will be retrofitted to support experiential learning programs including hairstyling and esthetics.
The Indigenous Hub at Chippewa is being updated to provide casual seating, small group meeting spaces, a kitchenette, and increased natural lighting.
The libraries at both secondary schools are being transformed into learning commons.
Upgrades include flexible seating, barrier-free shelving, individual, small and large group seating options, built-in banquette seating and an outdoor working/learning space.
Conceptual designs can be viewed as part of the report in the board agenda.
Widdifield Secondary School closed in 2020.
