Livingstone Range School Board last week gave first reading to a plan to spend $200,000 on a new facility at its Crowsnest Pass site.
Trustees will consider second and third reading at a special meeting Monday, Feb. 28.
The question of approving the project was on the agenda of the Feb. 14 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod.
Associate superintendent of business services Jeff Perry provided background.
The school division last year acquired the 4.62-acre former Travel Alberta visitor information centre six kilometres west of Coleman on Highway 3 for $725,000.
Perry told trustees a significant factor in the decision to purchase was the site’s location and how it fit Livingstone Range programs.
“FACES was a significant factor in that decision,” Perry said. “But not only FACES. There were other outdoor pursuits programming that we were desiring to put into place.”
The site would benefit Kindergarten to Grade 12 students across southwestern Alberta, and will provide an economic benefit to the Crowsnest Pass area.
FACES used the Crowsnest Pass property for the first time in July and August.
“It was an amazing experience for those who attended,” Perry said.
Since 1999 FACES has welcomed Grade 9 students from across Alberta for curriculum-based outdoor adventure programming that focuses on personal growth and development.
Students participate in 12 days of high-adventure activities, classroom instruction and team-building that has a positive impact on all areas of their lives.
Typically 450 students would attend each summer and take part in classroom work as well as climbing, canoing, hiking and a mountain top experience, staying in four-person tents.
Perry told trustees that reduced government funding for summer school had a big impact on FACES.
To adjust to reduced funding, it is proposed a six-day in-person program combined with on-line instruction be implemented.
“There is a significant need in the short term for additional space to accomodate this program in the short term,” Perry added.
David Cocks, a principle with FWDA Architects in Lethbridge proposed a structure that is closed on two sides against the gusting wind and open on one side to capture the spectacular views.
The new shelter structure would be to the west of the existing building. It contains break-out rooms and storage space.
There would be a large fireplace in the central gathering space. The building is naturally ventilated and not heated.
The build can accommodate about 220 people.
Indigenous leaders were consulted on ways to provide appropriate recognition through images.
Trustee Greg Long noted the door to the existing structure faces the east because of the winds from the lake.
Long said the entrance to the proposed structure would face into the wind coming off the lake.
“I don’t know how many days you would be able to open those doors to enjoy the view,” Long said, suggesting he would put doors in place and have windows elsewhere in the building.
Cocks agreed that is worth looking into a different approach.
The school division would like to have the new structure in place by the end of June.
Cocks said to meet that deadline, it is proposed to bring on a construction manager to finalize the design and budget.
Tenders would be released to subcontractors through a competitive building process.
Trustees returned to the discussion later in the meeting following lunch and a closed session.
Perry said the majority of the $200,000 will come from the sale of property in Fort Macleod that is owned by Livingstone Range.
Additional funding will come from money deferred from prior years. The facility will support the programming for which that funding is intended.
Some funding will come from the school division’s international students and summer school programs.
“$200,000 is not a significant amount to support a program that is as valuable as the FACES program and the Pursuits programming,” Perry added. “We’re excited about the potential.”
There would be minimal operating costs attached to the facility, Perry said.
In response to questions from trustees, Perry said the site can accommodate many programs besides FACES.
Added associate superintendent of curriculum and innovation Chad Kuzyk, “We’re working to ensure this is for all students across the division.”
As an example, there will be dedicated time for every school in the environmental education centre. Students from across the division will access the pre-employment program at the site.
Trustee Brad Toone said he wanted more time to consider funding the project and to get public feedback. He suggested giving first reading and then holding a special meeting to consider second and third reading.
“I think the best process is to make this as public as possible,” Toone said, adding the impact of the provincial budget would also be known by then.
Trustee Clara Yagos pointed out the project needs to start soon to meet the June target, the division has the money and the project fits the mission and vision.
“I think we should be passing this as it is,” Yagos said.
In response to a question from trustee Joscelyn Stangowitz, Perry said the land in Fort Macleod has not yet been sold.
Toone stressed that he felt rushed in being asked to make a decision.
The amended motion was passed and the special meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 28.
