The former Glendale Elementary School is now slated to become home-base for the School District 27 administration offices.
"One of the greatest benefits to the community is that this would allow the option for the Williams Lake Studio Theatre to remain in its current location," said chair Tanya Guenther in announcing the decision, Dec. 15.
Guenther said the board is also hopeful that one or more of the district programs with temporary homes may also be housed permanently in the repurposed Glendale Elementary School facility.
"We anticipate that the plan will increase the amount of meeting space, as there is a current lack of space for meetings without disrupting school classrooms and gyms," Guenther said.
The current school district administration office located on Second Avenue adjacent to Marie Sharpe Elementary School was built in 1951 as a dormitory and has since undergone many renovations and additions, explained Guenther.
"The Ministry of Education's Capital Asset Management System has identified that all systems including heating, ventilation, cooling, electrical, air circulation and water supply are now 'beyond useful life,'" Guenther explained.
In its considerations, Guenther said the board explored options for major renovations to the present building, purchasing a new facility, leasing a facility, or renovating a current facility already owned by the district.
In the end she said the board selected the most practical and cost effective option by supporing the motion to repurpose the former Glendale school facility.
It is anticipated that the refurbished Glendale facility will be ready for occupation by August 2017.