HAY RIVER - Major renovations of Hay River's Diamond Jenness Secondary school are closer, but still years away.

During a tour of the high school on April 17, Education, Culture and Employment Minister Charles Dent said he will try to get the project on the territorial government's five-year capital plan.

"I can't tell you when construction will start," Dent said during his tour.

The minister added preliminary estimates from the Department of Public Works are renovations will cost about $23 million.

"Well, let's get started," quipped principal Greg Storey as he guided Dent around the school.

Speaking following the tour, Dent noted the renovations are already included in government's 20-year plan, but putting the project in the five-year plan brings the work closer.

"It's far more definite," he said, explaining it means the government hopes to start the project within five years.

The minister added a project as significant as renovating Diamond Jenness would probably take four years to complete, taking into account consultations and planning.

Plus, he noted the availability of funding would depend on emergency needs, such as if a school happens to burn down somewhere else.

Dent said it's in the government's best interest to move the Diamond Jenness project along, since the sooner it happens the less it will cost.

The project, dubbed a half-life retrofit, is also overdue. Such renovations usually occur at the midway point of a facility's lifespan.

Diamond Jenness Secondary school, which was built in 1972, has a projected lifespan of approximately 50 years.

Details of the renovations will be determined following the consultation process.

However, school officials said there are a few issues that must be addressed.

Windows in the school do not open, increasing the potential for what is known as Sick Building Syndrome - caused, in some cases, by poor air circulation. Inadequate insulation means the building "freezes in the winter and bakes in the summer."