HAY RIVER - A high school in Hay River is hoping to keep its distinctive purple colour, although that remains to be seen.

Diamond Jenness Secondary School (DJSS) in Hay River hopes to keep its unique purple colour. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"It is our intention to keep the same colour scheme," said Paul Theriault, principal of Diamond Jenness Secondary School (DJSS).

However, he said it is possible the school may end up with a different colour as renovations proceed.

Theriault said the outside skin of the school needs to be replaced, but warehouses across Canada have no great stockpiles of purple siding.

"We are making every effort to keep this colour," he said.

Students chose purple as the colour of the school when it was constructed in 1971. It was built with siding impregnated with the colour.

A purple high school was initially not popular among the people of Hay River, Theriault noted. "Over time, it's become an icon in the community."

The principal said DJSS would certainly like to keep its distinction as the purple school, adding that the chances are looking good that it will.

The final decision will be up to the Hay River District Education Authority, which is awaiting information from contractors and the Department of Public Works and Services on their search for purple siding.

"That decision is imminent," Theriault said, adding it will probably be made in the next two weeks.

The principal noted the school now features various shades of purple due to spot painting over the years.

A $30-million, two-year renovation has begun at the school.

The work – called a half-life retrofit – has started with a new trades centre, which should be ready for occupancy by the end of May.

The school will also be getting larger classrooms, increased storage space, new windows, a fitness centre and more.

Diamond Jenness will undergo the ultimate makeover, Theriault said. "It's going to look a lot different when you walk into DJ."

However, the school's shape – a cornerless concept created by noted Metis architect Douglas Cardinal – will not change.