The cost of replacing Banting Memorial High School in Alliston keeps going up.
The latest estimate comes in a $41.3 million. That's up $7 million from the original estimate when the project was first considered in 2015.
The project is considered a No. 1 priority for Simcoe County District School Board as the 72-year-old building has seen better days and its infrastructure is in poor condition.
“A replacement school for Banting Memorial High School has been on the list for several years,” Brian Jeffs, superintendent of business and facility services, said during the board's recent meeting. “It is now our top priority.
"In late 2020, we did prepare a facility assessment of Banting. We did use the consultant that provides the ministry with their regularly scheduled facility assessments to ensure consistency in approach to reporting," he added. "Banting was originally constructed in 1949 and has an estimated replacement value of $41.3 million. Most of the mechanical and electrical system components are in poor condition and have exceeded or are nearing the end of their expected life.”
Jeffs added: “Structurally, the building can be categorized as being in fair to poor condition.”
He also said the Banting Homestead property is being looked at as the preferred location to build a new high school.
The board had previously considered building the new school on the existing property or at G.A. Wright Athletic Field, just south of the existing school.
Jeffs said that along with the new high school, the board is considering options to accommodate the need for an additional elementary school in Alliston.
“Given the need for a new elementary school in the Alliston community, among a number of options, staff did consider the possibility of a (kindergarten) to (Grade) 12 campus – two separate facilities on a single site or a single K-to-12 school.”
The board, he said, did seek input from the community on these options. The feedback for a K to Grade 12 environment was largely negative.
Brian Lockhart, Local Journalism Initiative, New Tecumseth Times. The LJI is a federally funded program.
