The Manitoba government has issued a request for proposals, for the construction of a 6,300-sq.-ft. a multi-purpose room and performing arts space at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School.
The project is part of the provincial government's work to improve student engagement and well-being says Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko.
“Performing arts education contributes to learning engagement and a wide range of positive academic, social, and emotional effects. Investing in this new performing arts space at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School will allow students to engage, understand and respond to their world to be successful no matter of their cultural background and personal circumstances.”
The project responds to recommendation number 15 of the final report from the Manitoba Commission on Kindergarten to 12 Education. The recommendation says that all schools should provide access to the arts so all children, regardless of socio-economic circumstances, can broaden their exploration of career-related and employment-ready experiences.
Labour, Consumer Protection, and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer joined Ewasko for the announcement and says they look forward to reviewing tenders and they hope to start construction as early as April.
“This new construction project will complement renovations recently completed at the school that modernized the existing performing arts spaces including the band room,”
Kathy Highmoor, board chair of Swan Valley School Division says the school is the centre of the community when it comes to sports, and many other activities. She says the renovation will ensure a well-rounded education for all students.
“The division has held consultation meetings with staff and our education partners throughout the design of the project. The design speaks to the opportunity for reconciliation and continuing success for all of our students in the future,”
The request for proposals is open until Jan. 26 and has been posted to MERX at www.merx.com.
