Consultants from Alberta Infrastructure conducted several independent assessments of hazardous materials, facility conditions, and life cycle costing of the St. Thomas More School in Fairview.
The endeavour comes in support of Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools’ capital planning process and the joint efforts between the HFCRD and the GPCSD to transfer the school.
According to the assessors, numerous asbestos-containing materials found in the school, such as window putty, insulation, vinyl floor tiles, and others, were disposed of accordingly. Officials suggest that the removal of those items was necessary ahead of any renovation or demolition projects within the school.
Additionally, sources of lead such as batteries and emergency lighting were identified throughout the building; however, during the paint analysis of the assessment, all samples that were analyzed reportedly did not feature significant amounts of the heavy metal, therefore, no further evaluation will be conducted.
When assessors looked at sources of “other hazardous materials,” microbial growth and mould were not identified in the facility.
As a result, the Holy Family Catholic Regional Divison is awaiting approval of the Ministerial Order to complete the Ward transfer, including the school and other additional assets. The Grande Prairie Catholic School Division says they have shared the assessment reports with the HFCRD and adds that Alberta Infrastructure has approved sharing with others.
The HFCRD is set to enter into discussions with Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Education to talk next steps and determine the future of the building.
