Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021

Fricker tender awarded to Venasse Building Group Inc.

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is pleased to announce that Venasse Building Group Inc. of North Bay has been awarded the contract for the new Fricker build. The group submitted a tender of $17,580,000.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) closed on Sept. 23, and an evaluation committee met to discuss the bids that were submitted. The tenders were evaluated using a scoring matrix that follows the Broader Public Sector procurement guidelines.

The Fricker Build Committee, chaired by Trustee Bill Steer, met on Oct. 5 and unanimously agreed to support the recommendation of the evaluation committee. Both committees had agreed to award the tender to the top-scoring applicant.

Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “The new Fricker school which will consolidate three schools and enhance elementary education in this section of North Bay. This school will ensure that more students in the city will experience the modern features of a contemporary elementary school.  As this has been a key priority of our board, our Fricker Build Committee has worked effectively with administration to make it happen.”

“This project underpins the Board’s commitment to innovation under the new Multi-Year Strategic Plan, in that we look forward to providing future-oriented learning experiences that promote excellence in student achievement and well-being” stated Trustee Steer.

NNDSB Director of Education, Craig Myles said, “We look forward to working with contractors and architects to get this project underway, in the best interest of our staff, families and most importantly, our students.”

Trustee Louise Sargent, who sits on the Fricker Build Committee, noted that it was gratifying to see the tender awarded to a local company.

Funding from the Ministry of Education will cover the cost of demolition of the former W.J. Fricker Senior Public School and the construction of a replacement school, which will accommodate students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6, a four-room childcare centre (one infant, one toddler and two pre-school rooms), and an EarlyON Child and Family Centre.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca