St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in Sarnia will receive a major gymnasium upgrade this summer as part of a broader $2.59 million capital investment approved by the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.
The $690,000 renovation will modernize the facility and replace equipment that has been in place since 1995. Construction is scheduled to begin June 30, 2025, and wrap up by August 22, 2025, with all work timed to avoid disruption to school-year programming.
“This renovation at St. Patrick's is part of our continued effort to provide modern, well-equipped environments that support both educational, athletic, and extracurricular activities,” said Lisa Demers, Director of Education for the Board. “By investing in these improvements, we’re making sure that our students, educators, and the broader community have the best possible spaces to thrive in.”
The gym sees consistent use throughout the day, hosting three physical education classes per period, five periods per day. In the evenings and on weekends, the space is used by high school and elementary sports teams, club training programs, and community events. It also serves as a venue for elections and other public gatherings. In October, it will host the OFSAA basketball tournament, one of the top high school basketball events in the province.
The upcoming renovation will include installation of a motorized drop-down stage, a new door to the third gym space, vision glass connecting the second-floor workout room to the gym, and replacement of bleachers, athletic equipment, sound system, and projector. Ceiling fans, exit signage, wall painting, and refinishing of the gym floor are also planned.
The Board says the investment is a continuation of upgrades across its secondary schools. “In 2023, the board upgraded the secondary school gym in Chatham with a motorized drop-down stage,” said Tony Montanino, Manager of Facility Services. “Our secondary schools host significant events for both our system and the community. The bleachers, ceiling fans, and athletic equipment, installed in 1995, have now exceeded their useful life.”
Montanino confirmed the renovation will not impact school sports or physical education classes, as all work is scheduled during the summer break. Activities normally held at the school in July will be temporarily relocated to local elementary gyms.
In 2024, the board introduced an additional drop-down curtain in the St. Patrick’s gym, allowing the space to be divided into three dedicated teaching zones. This adjustment was made to help accommodate rising enrolment and growing demand for physical education classes. The summer renovation will build on that change by upgrading infrastructure and replacing aging systems and equipment.
The project’s $690,000 budget includes $575,000 in construction costs, $225,000 of which covers equipment, along with $60,000 in consultant fees, $30,000 in contingency funds, and $25,000 for permits.
The St. Patrick’s project is one of several capital improvements planned for 2024–2025 across the Board. In addition to the Sarnia high school upgrade, yard and asphalt improvements have been approved for Sacred Heart Catholic School in Sarnia, St. Anne in Blenheim, and St. Elizabeth in Wallaceburg.
In addition to the approved major projects, approximately 17 smaller-scale improvements are planned for the coming year. These include accessibility upgrades, HVAC and fire alarm system replacements, façade repairs, roof maintenance, and school-funded outdoor play enhancements across various sites.
The funding is part of the Board’s annual capital renewal strategy, supported by Ontario’s School Condition Improvement (SCI) program. Additional funds come from School Renewal Allocation (SRA) grants and unspent money carried forward from the previous year. In total, the Board has approximately $8.7 million available for capital improvements in 2024–2025.
“Our commitment to maintaining and upgrading our facilities is an ongoing priority,” Demers said. “This is about more than just maintaining buildings. It's about positioning ourselves to continue offering exceptional learning experiences and opportunities for years to come.”
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