Construction will last through the next school year

The multi-million dollar expansion at Barrie North Collegiate is progressing on schedule, and that means construction will continue throughout the next school year.

"Students will notice that one of the gyms will be in use as the cafeteria," explained John Dance, superintendent of facility services at the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB).

"Construction will be taking place as the library and new cafeteria are constructed in the courtyard, as well as the nine new classrooms."

Other internal renovations will also be taking place during the school year.

The expansion will add nine classrooms and a new cafeteria and gym to the school - now the oldest high school in Barrie. The rooftop greenhouse will be spruced up as well - part of the $10 million project cost.

About 200 new students will attend North this coming school year, after the closure of Barrie Central Collegiate. The increasing population - up to about 1,300 - means a few more portables for the coming year, but no changes to the school day schedule.

"There will be seven portables on site to help accommodate students during construction," said Melanie Slade Morrison, communications officer at the SCDSB.

"This is up slightly from the four to five that were there previously."

While the school's smallest gym will be utilized as a temporary cafeteria, the larger double gym at the front of the building will remain open for students.

Improvements are also underway outside at North, and that means the track will not be open for the 2016-17 school year. The field, however, will be used for sports teams and athletics.