January 16th, 2014

The following information was provided to local media upon request:

Background Information

The Education Centre at 51 Ardelt Avenue was purchased and renovated in the early 1980’s to house the corporate headquarters of the then Waterloo County Board of Education. The property acquired had been office and production space of a shoe factory.

Since that time no major renovations have been completed on the complex. As a result, there are mounting capital maintenance challenges, as well as an outdated working environment. Keeping pace with technology in the building has been an issue.

The Waterloo Region District School Board has resisted the option to build a modern corporate headquarters as has been done by municipalities and other school boards. Instead, as resources have become available, moderate interior upgrades have been completed over the years.

A few years ago, in order to address accessibility, security and some interior cosmetic issues, a portion of the main floor was renovated.

In the 2012-2013 budget, the Board allocated one time funding in the amount of $975,000 to complete work on the ground floor.

This was principally dedicated to the area known and used as the Board Room. However, the room serves as a large meeting space and is booked continuously when not in use as a Board Room on Monday evenings. The room is capable of seating a maximum of 180 people theatre style. There are very few board facilities that can accommodate large numbers during the day. Having this room available for professional development training and other large meetings avoids the use of rented space offsite.

This room was scheduled for renovation due to its condition, low ceiling and lack of adequate technology.

The room itself was gutted to the walls to maximize the working space of the room. The design for a typical Board meeting provided for a more traditional horseshoe layout similar to municipal Council chambers, plus enlarged gallery seating area. New furniture was purchased to accommodate this layout, but with the ability to be mobile to accommodate the alternate use of the space as a large meeting room. Trustee desks and chairs were redesigned so that they can be stored and replaced by chairs and tables for various types of meetings.

New technology was introduced into the room in the form of audio systems and high definition video monitors. Acoustics for the room were improved dramatically. Video presentations on the monitors are much clearer than the previous outdated projector and screen system. High efficiency lighting systems and controls were installed to reduce energy consumption, but still improve lighting levels. Wireless access was improved as well. A hearing assist system has also been installed.

Along with this renovation, Facility Services undertook upgrades to existing electrical services in this area, flooring and paint in an adjacent stairwell, and building automation for the roof top unit serving the room.

The project costs are as follows:

Design, engineering and contract administration $51,155
Construction Contract – demolition, reconstruction, technology infrastructure, ventilation redistribution, electrical panel upgrades, roof top units $787,834
Furniture and Equipment – meeting desks and chairs, podium, gallery chairs, chair carts, round meeting tables and microphones $136,721
Total $975,710