September 24, 2010

The Halton District School Board held this morning the official groundbreaking ceremony for its newest elementary school in Burlington. Under sunny skies, the ceremony took place at the Sutton Drive school site, located in Elementary Review Area (ERA) 108 (Orchard community in Burlington).

Board and City of Burlington officials and staff, as well as students from Orchard Park and Alexander's public schools, helped ceremonially turn the sod to kick off construction of the new building.

This new JK-Grade 8 elementary school, with a student capacity of more than 700, will help address growth occurring in north Burlington, and specifically relieve accommodation pressure at Alexander’s and Orchard Park public schools. Construction of the Orchard #3 school will begin immediately, with the official opening anticipated for September 2011. 

The two-storey school will feature barrier-free accessibility for students, staff and visitors, a double gym, separate bus and car drop off areas, and will accommodate the delivery of an all-day/every-day Kindergarten program. The budget for construction of this school, including furniture and equipment, is a little more than $13 million.

The Halton District School Board has awarded the architectural tender to Peter Hossack Architects Inc. of Mississauga, and the construction contract to Everstrong Construction Limited of Orangeville.