Construction of the new gymnasium at Pleasant Valley Secondary school began in August. (photo courtesy of School District 83/X)

By Liam Verster

Pleasant Valley Secondary

Construction progressing on new school gymnasium

Nov 16, 2023 | 10:35 AM

High school students in Armstrong will have a new gymnasium in just over a year.

The province stated the new gym at Pleasant Valley Secondary is expected to be ready in January of 2025.

“I know the community is looking forward to the gym’s completion and I’m so happy that construction is underway,” Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care, said.

“School gyms are vital meeting places in communities like Armstrong, serving as both recreation spaces and a place where neighbours can connect.”

The province has committed up to $15.2 million to replace the gymnasium, which will incorporate energy-efficient design elements and climate-resilient materials to make it more sustainable.

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Along with providing a space for students to exercise, the new gym will be available to the broader community as a gathering place for local sports teams, First Nations groups and other organizations.

“Thank you to the ministry for supporting this much-needed gymnasium,” Amanda Krebs, board chair of School District 83, said.

“While the last few years without a gym have been made bearable by the tremendous support from the community and other schools, we are really looking forward to the opening of this new energy-efficient and climate-resistant gym. We know how important physical fitness is to our students, not only for their overall health, but also in the building, and fostering of a healthy school community.”

Ground was broken for the new gymnasium in August. The facility is replacing the old gym at the school that was deemed unsafe and needed to be replaced when previously unknown damage was discovered in 2021.

Students have been using public facilities for physical education and other local school gyms for sporting events since the damage was discovered.