Kelvin to finally get new centre

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/09/2017 (2969 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The dedicated efforts of a team of volunteers will come to fruition next spring when the Kelvin Active Living Centre is tentatively slated to open on the grounds of Kelvin High School.

Principal Maria Silva and Parent Council representative Andrea Firth made the announcement Sept. 19.

“We have received confirmation we are able to build this active living centre,” Silva said.

The project came together quickly, even though a facility redesign was required following the 2016 provincial election. In two years, the committee raised $1.2 million of the estimated $2.4 million overall cost. With the provincial government kicking in $1 million for an access elevator, the finish line is in sight.

Firth explained the current design is an active living facility flexible enough that it can be rearranged as the needs of the school and community change. It will feature 1,800 square-feet of cardiovascular and strength training equipment. Should more funds be raised the square footage can be increased.

The Kelvin Active Living Centre couldn’t come soon enough, Silva said. The school’s main stage currently houses treadmills, and that impacts other programming.

“It’s not a full gym, but it is an active living centre that provides an alternate space to deliver curriculum,” Silva explained.

The Grade 11 and 12 physical education curriculum includes a significant percentage of activity students must complete on their own, Silva said. The Kelvin Active Living Centre will provide an option for students to work toward those credits. Currently Silva estimates Kelvin Grade 11 and 12 students can only complete 25 per cent of their requirements in school facilities.

The Kelvin Active Living Centre should also appeal to those students who enjoy physical activity but who do not participate in team sports, Firth said. When one of her children was in Grade 12 he was interested in lifting weights, but would have to find a teacher to open up the room and supervise him. The new space allows teachers to get in a workout while students do the same, she said.

“If the student is looking for help it will be easier to have one teacher there,” Firth said.

Firth and Silva said the announcement is also the celebration of a true grassroots effort by the community to make the Kelvin Active Living Centre a reality. People knocked on doors and mailed brochures. Socials and raffles were held, and many a grant was applied for.

The fundraising committee includes alumni, parents of current and former students and both current and former staff, Firth said. Many came in on holidays to organize events and they also made their own donations.

“That’s quite impressive when you think that this is their workplace and they’re doing this much to support it,” Firth said of the staff. “Once they’ve gotten involved they want to stick with it.”

Silva said they hope to break ground this fall and be ready to open in the spring.  The committee is still fund raising as current funds are estimated to cover the build but not the equipment. Contact the school at 204-474-1492 or at kelvin@wsd1.org for more information or to make a donation.