GUELPH – An excavator is on site and construction is set to begin on Guelph’s new south end high school in the next few weeks.
This comes almost three months after ground was broken on the project last November.
The 108,000 square foot facility, located at 388 Arkell Rd., will accommodate 900 students when it opens in September 2026, Upper Grand District School Board officials state in a press release.
Guelph-based Tambro Construction Ltd., who are also building the new Centre Wellington Elementary School, was awarded the tender for construction.
The currently unnamed school will eventually include a fully equipped science wing, spaces to support computer engineering, robotics, construction and transportation technology programs, a hospitality classroom, and an arts wing with green screen and video editing facilities.
A competitive size outdoor playfield with a six-lane, 400m running track is also included in the design, along with a fitness wing with double gymnasium, and weight and exercise rooms.
Other features of the school include a centrally located learning commons and a full-service cafetorium with a double-sided stage connected to theatre arts and music classrooms.
“Sustainability has been a top-priority of the school development, with efforts on the preservation of the existing natural features bordering the site and integration of the school into Guelph’s pedestrian and cycling infrastructure visions,” officials state.
The building design has reduced energy-use at the forefront and will include:
– triple-glazed high-efficiency windows;
– low-carbon mechanical systems with heat pumps;
– solar panels for renewable energy production;
– low water consumption;
– recycled and low embodied carbon material; and
– a special roof to prevent global heat island effect.
The two-storey building is also designed for expansion in the future if needed.
