Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The New Frontiers School Board is investing approximately $5.2 million in four major construction and renovation projects over the summer.

NFSB director general Mike Helm says the projects are being carried out according to the approved 2024-2025 budget and are not affected by current government reductions.

Two of the projects are taking place in Ormstown, where the washrooms on the main floor at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School are being completely renovated and updated. The tiles on the gymnasium floor at Ormstown Elementary School are being replaced, and work is continuing to renovate the second-floor hallway and certain classrooms.

Exterior brickwork is being done at Hemmingford Elementary School, while renovations to the school’s front entrance and walkway are also taking place.

Finally, a second phase of work to replace windows at Howard S. Billings High School in Chateauguay is underway.

Helm notes that while they are pleased to be completing these projects over the summer, there is some concern about how budget restrictions may impact school renovations in the new year.

The government generally allocates a spending target for such renovations as part of the NFSB’s budget parameters. At the moment, Helm says the board is looking at a steep reduction for the 2025-2026 year to around $1.8 million.

“We are anticipating there will be fewer projects,” confirms Helm.