Capital funding has been committed to build a new elementary school and child care on the W.J. Fricker Public School site at 790 Norman Ave. in North Bay to accommodate Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 students from E.T. Carmichael and E.W. Norman public schools, along with Extended French Grade 5 and 6 students from W.J. Fricker Public School. The construction of integrated childcare facilities has also been approved with one infant, one toddler, 2 pre-school rooms as well as the construction of a new EarlyON Child and Family Centre.
Working in partnership with the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) and third-party licensee, YMCA Northeastern Ontario, children and families can expect a seamless approach to quality childcare and school programs in one facility.
W.J. Fricker Public School closed at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Grade 5 and 6 Extended French students from W.J. Fricker are being accommodated at E.W. Norman while the new school is being constructed and the Grade 7 and 8 students from W.J. Fricker will attend the Chippewa site.
The Ministry of Education approved the work on the Fricker site to go to tender in August 2021. The tender closed on Sept. 23, 2021.
The project is currently at the building demolition stage, with significant site preparation in advance of foundation work planned for Spring 2022.
New building at Fricker site updates
Fricker project progressing on schedule and on budget - Oct. 13, 2022
Fricker tender awarded to Venasse Building Group Inc. - Oct. 13, 2021
$20 Million for New School in North Bay - Sept. 22, 2021
