More than two years after it was originally announced the Village of Morrin was one of the Alberta communities chosen for a new school, the general contractor bid has been awarded.
Shunda Consulting and Construction Management Ltd from Red Deer was awarded the general contractor bid in late April 2022.
“We were really excited when we found out Shunda was selected by the provincial government as the general contractor,” said Morrin School Principal Don Yavis, adding Shunda was one of the contractors they were hoping would be selected.
Shunda worked with Prairie Land School Division (PLSD) recently to build the new Delia School which opened its doors to students, teachers, and faculty in October 2021, only 13 months after ground broke on the project despite supply chain challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The timeline (for a school build) is usually 16 months from sod turning to opening,” said PLSD Superintendent Cam McKeage.
The new school will be built towards the north end of the existing school.
Mr. Yavis explained about two-thirds of the existing school will be torn down, though there are some plans in the works to keep the existing gymnasium and change rooms to configure into additional space for a Career and Technology Studies (CTS) shop, which could also be used for adult classes for welding or automotive.
“We want to make a space, not just for the students, but for the community as well,” Mr. Yavis shared. He notes the Morrin Community Library will also be moving from its existing location into the new school.
An official groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Friday, June 17 at 2 p.m. and the Friends of Morrin School Council (FMSC) will host a community barbecue following the official ceremony at 5 p.m.
