W.R. Myers and D.A. Ferguson modernizations proceeding in phases

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Taber Times

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Modernization projects at W.R. Myers and D.A. Ferguson schools will continue as planned over the next three years. 

Horizon School Division Superintendent Wilco Tymensen said, “At this point, we have been given approval to proceed from planning to construction. Planning has been taking place for the last year and we are excited to be able to commence phase two of this project (phase one was the modernization of D.A. Ferguson).”

 Phase one at Ferguson included major renovations: a building envelope upgrade, mechanical heating upgrade, new entrance, fire lane on the east side of the building, sprinkler system install, new air handling system, and the office moved to the north side of building. A fire wall separating Ferguson and Myers was also installed.

 The superintendent said the Myers modernization will similarly progress with a complete upgrade and what he called a “full gutting and rebuilding.” The to-do list is extensive and will include:

-a new mechanical and heating

-new ceiling tiles and lights

-a sewer system upgrade

-bathrooms will be single

-an enlarged bandroom

-a new foods room by the gymnasium

-redesigned learning commons

-redoing the outside of the building

-a sprinkler system install

-the relocation of career and technology studies and science labs

-a building envelope upgrade including new windows

 Tymensen said the project is managed by Alberta Infrastructure and it will be going to a request for proposal in the coming months to acquire a contractor with an eye on commencing construction at the end of June 2025. “My assumption is that there will be about five phases to the project as students will continue to be in the building during construction. The project is anticipated to be complete by September 2027.”

 In September, Premier Danielle Smith announced $8.6 billion in provincial funding over three years to build new schools and modernize existing ones.