A long-awaited high school for the town of Paradise is increasingly within reach, after ministers announced Friday that a piece of land on Dianne Whelan Drive will be its home.
The newly purchased 11-acre site came with a price tag of $3.4 million. It was sold by Karwood Estates Inc, a local construction company.
Friday’s announcement came from Infrastructure Minister Fred Hutton, Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell and Immigration Minister Sarah Stoodley.
A request for proposals for a consultant team is coming soon, which will develop the tender. An opening date for the new school has not been determined, but Hutton said that date will come with the RFP process.
The new high school will be in close proximity to Paradise Intermediate School, which sits on the same road.
Paradise is finally getting a high school, something residents have been wanting for years. But is it a prelude to an election call? Infrastructure Minister Fred Hutton says he doesn’t know, and to ask the premier.
Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett, who also spoke at the announcement, told reporters the site is a “great location” for a high school.
Dianne Whelan Drive is situated near the Paradise Double Ice Complex, the Dianne Whelan Soccer Complex, and other community facilities.
“[A school] adds to our town,” said Bobbett. “It gives connectivity when it comes to sporting events and overall community. And that’s what it’s about, community and placemaking.”
Bobbett emotionally announced that the high school will be named after the late Paradise councillor Elizabeth Laurie, who died last February. He described Laurie as a lifelong friend and a person deeply involved in her community.
The Parents for a Paradise High School Committee has been fighting for a new school inside the town for years. Currently, high school-age students from Paradise are zoned to Mount Pearl schools.
Erin Furlong is one of the parents spearheading the committee, which has lobbied both municipal and provincial officials. She told reporters she is “very, very excited.”
“Our plan as a committee has always been that if every child in Paradise will have a chance to go to school here in Paradise, that has always been our goal,” said Furlong.
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