The original Blackie School building on this site was constructed in 1929, that section and a 1950 section have been removed. The building now on the site is the 1959 addition and a 2012 mechanical room addition. A modernization of the Library and Administration areas occurred in 1985. At present the total building area is 2,413 square meters. The school offers kindergarten to grade 8 education, has a capacity of 214 students. Currently the weighted enrolment is 106, hence a utilization rate of 49%.
The school modernization project will provide a 200 capacity facility (at opening) with a kindergarten to grade 8 (no change) configuration, including a music room and CTS space. The project will include the creation/modernization of the entry/gathering space.
The municipality, Foothills County, has committed up to $500,000 towards a community hub as part of Blackie School Modernization.
This project entails modernization of all areas of the school to address failing/end-of life systems and Code-related issues. The following items are considered as part of the project scope. Foothills School Division reserves the right to add, delete, and modify the project scope. Final project scope is also subject to funding availability and Government of Alberta’s approval.
Architectural: upgrade of the facility to offer Code-compliant barrier-free access, renewal of worn-out interior finishes throughout the school, etc.
Structural: As required for the demolition of the mezzanine spaces and the creation of an entry/gathering space.
Mechanical: Upgrade failed and end of life mechanical systems. In particular, sewer infrastructure. There is also a need to provide mechanical ventilation in this facility.
Electrical: Provide electrical infrastructure for ease of use. Upgrade fire alarm system, emergency lighting system, lighting system, security system, network cabling, etc.
Building Envelope: Full major modernization; new exterior envelope (including windows, sunshades, etc.).
Sustainability: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) requirements are to be considered in this project. The project is set to achieve a minimum LEED v4 Silver certification.
Hazardous Materials: The school facility is at risk of health and safety issues potentially emerging in the future and abatement will be needed during the process.
The total construction budget of this project is approximately $6.5 million, inclusive of the contribution from Foothills County.
The total construction budget includes hazardous material abatement, demolition work, construction work, modernization of existing spaces, upgrading systems and finishes, and any site development. The budget does not include project contingency, and Foothills School Division will manage the project contingency. The project contingency is only for unforeseen project cost.
The above construction costs will include all items for a “complete building”, including all work for Furniture and Equipment to be attached to the building. A separate budget is provided for purchasing furniture and equipment, and it is managed by Foothills School Division.
The project shall also be phased out to accommodate ongoing operations of the school.
The project delivery method is Design-Bid-Build.
