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Clearview ranks new gym as ‘highest priority project’

A long-awaited expanded gymnasium for Stettler Middle School could be built sooner, rather than later.

A long-awaited expanded gymnasium for Stettler Middle School could be built sooner, rather than later.

Clearview School Division officials have a greater sense of optimism as Alberta Education has made a commitment to fund the project.

“They are making an effort to get this project on track, and hopefully speed it up,” said Ken Checkel, who chairs the Clearview board.

“This is a very positive development in this project.”

“This is the highest priority project for Clearview.”

Since 2009, the division has waited for the government to approve funding for a larger gymnasium that was estimated at $4 million in the spring of 2009 and $3 million in November 2007 when the board discussed the issue with then-minister Ron Liepert.

Originally, a new gym was part of a $25-million upgrade to the multi-school campus, before it was eliminated when funding was reduced.

“We want to have enough gym space for our students,” Checkel said. “Alberta Education seems to realize that it does need work.”

Checkel said he’s confident about the project after Alberta Education officials stated they’re willing to work with Clearview to perform a value analysis of the Middle School project at no cost to the school division.

“This analysis would involve an architect, a cost consultant, Alberta Education personnel, and Clearview’s administration and board representatives,” Checkel said.

“Projects that have gone through this process appear to gain increased favour with the decision-makers of approving capital projects at Alberta Education.”

He suggested that both the Town of Stettler and the County of Stettler would be included in the process, as they’re users of the complex as well.

“Alberta Education seems to favour having more groups involved,” Checkel said.

Alberta Education officials visited Stettler last month and in June to hear the capital submission to modernize and improve the school, with a larger gymnasium the major component.

During last spring’s provincial election, support for a new gymnasium was listed as a top priority for then-cabinet minister Jack Hayden of Endiang. Hayden lost his seat to Wildrose candidate Rick Strankman of Altario.

PAC renovation

Clearview acknowledged strong support from the community for significant upgrades to the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) at William E. Hay Composite High School.

Opened in October 1986, the PAC has been widely used by the schools and community.

“The renovation has brought the PAC up to a high standard that will serve the division and the surrounding community very well for many years,” Checkel said.

Improvements were made to the stage, lighting, sound, seating and flooring.

Funding sources included: a Community Facilities Enhancement Program (CFEP) grant of $20,000; Town of Stettler, $15,000; Stettler Variety Showcase, $5,000; Superfluity, $5,000, Heartland Arts Troupe Society, $4,000; and Clearview provided $169,480 from the special projects reserve.