The Manitoba government has pledged to rebuild school and daycare space destroyed by a recent blaze at Mary Duncan School in The Pas.
Premier Greg Selinger made the commitment while visiting The Pas last week.
“Communities have a way of pulling together during the toughest of times and rising above,” he said. “That’s exactly what’s happening here. By working together, we will move as quickly as possible to ensure that students not only have a permanent place for quality education but a place of community pride and spirit.”
Work was to begin immediately to prepare foundations and electrical connections for five portable classrooms that were to arrive as soon as the foundations are in place.
The province has been closely with Kelsey School Division in The Pas on plans to rebuild the damage as quickly as
possible.
“The school division is very appreciative of the response from the local fire departments, the community and the Department of Education and for their support during this difficult time,” said Doug Long, superintendent of Kelsey. “It has helped the students and staff begin the process of moving forward. Plans are being developed to rebuild, but in the meantime the school programs will continue with the grades 5 to 12 students staying at the Guy Hall until portable classrooms are in place.”
As of last week, 55 school-age students and staff had resumed studies at Guy Hall, which is part of the local church. These students and staff were to use the centre area and four office spaces as temporary accommodation.
The daycare affected by the fire now has accommodations in the same church basement. The adult learning centre has been temporarily relocated to University College of the North.
RCMP have declared the Sept. 28 fire at the school an arson and charged four male youths: a 12-year-old, two 14-year-olds and a 16-year-old.
Police said a fifth youth was involved but cannot be charged due to being underage.
