Yellowknife (Apr 21/04) - Construction being done at Mildred Hall school is on schedule, despite delays caused by the need to deal with hazardous materials found during the first phase of the $9 million renovation project.

Guy Brunet drills a heating cover into the wall at Mildred Hall school. After two years of planning, consultations and work, renovations on the school's 1970 wing are almost complete and reconstruction of the 1965 wing is ready to begin in July. - Brent Reaney/NNSL photo

Finding hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint in older buildings is not uncommon, said Doug Morrison, project officer for public works and services' North Slave regional office.

The wing where the work is currently being done was built in 1970.

The public works department is working to ensure that any hazardous materials are dealt with by GNWT guidelines and regulations.

"They're doing what they should be doing and that's great for the kids," said Reanna Erasmus, chair of the Yellowknife District #1 Board of Trustees.

The renovation of the 1970 wing should be finished in May and ready to hold classes in September 2004, while the demolition of the 1965 wing should begin in June, said Dr. Judith Knapp, Superintendent of Education.

The public works department considered renovating the 1965 wing as well, but a consultant's study found demolition would be much cheaper considering the wing's wooden construction.

The 1965 wing will be completely re-built with two storeys of classrooms instead of the current one, leaving more school yard space.

The entire project is expected to be completed by January 2005.

The school will close a few days early in June so that teachers can move the contents of their classrooms into the newly renovated 1970 wing.