THUNDER BAY – Construction on the public board’s newest elementary schools has ground to a halt because of COVID-19 restrictions.
The impact on the construction schedule is unknown at this time.
Lakehead Public Schools updated parents and students about the decision, which was made after Premier Doug Ford last Friday announced that all industrial construction, except for essential projects, would stop for at least two weeks to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
“As a result of this announcement, construction on École Elsie MacGill Public School has been temporarily suspended to comply with the provincial order. While this is disappointing news, we fully support every effort being made to flatten the curve and prioritize the health of our community,” said principal Heather Harris in the message, which on Tuesday was shared with local media.
“As more information becomes available, we will ensure that we keep you as up-to-date as possible through our school and school board social media channels. In the meantime, stay healthy and safe.”
The school is scheduled to open in September, combining the soon-to-close Agnew H. Johnston and Edgewater Park public schools. It's located on the site of the former Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate and Vocational Institute.
The provincial decree also stopped construction on the Wolf Den at Lakehead University, but will not stop work on the Salvation Army's Journey to Life Centre, which is being built to house the homeless and is nearing completion.
