New Gym Construction Update

New Gym Construction Update
More Spirit Campaign Tops $6.2 Million Raised! 
STM On Track for Start of Construction in Spring 2012.

Donations to the More Spirit Campaign continue - we are pleased to share that the total committed to date is now over $6.2 million.  Heartfelt thanks to all of you who have given something and become part of this big moment in STM's history! 

We have launched into preparations and it looks like we're on track for a Spring start to construction.  Below are some tidbits you might be interested to know.  Please do not interpret any of these points as uncertainty about whether STM is moving forward on this new gym - we are!  We just want to keep you well-informed every step of the way.

• The General Contractor: STM is working once again with  Capo Construction, the company led by STM alumnus David Dalla Zanna, which built the StanJean Fine Arts Centre and Courtyard.
• Firming Up The Construction Costs: At this moment, we're in the process of "tendering" the project, which means we've requested official bids from the bevy of contractors needed.  We've been using a $6.1 million estimate compiled last year, and keeping tabs on trends in construction costs since then.  But you only get contractors to commit to a price when you're ready to sign a contract.  We're fairly confident the overall cost should stay in the neighborhood of $6.1 million.
• Planning For The Ancillary Costs:  We're building a detailed budget of other costs that couldn't be finalized until we knew when construction would start.  STM plans to erect a temporary facility on the field to accommodate P.E. and other needs, at an estimated cost of $150,000, plus there will be extra costs for bussing sports teams and so forth.   
• Building Permit:  We're eagerly awaiting approval of the demolition and building permits.  The application was actually submitted last November.  We're told we should be able to get approval for demo this Spring.
• Arranging the Financing & Cash Flow:  Susan Silveira in the STM Business Office is working hard to put together comprehensive budget and cash flow statements for review by the Board's Finance Committee, in preparation for further talks with our preferred lender and a Board Meeting on March 13th. 
• School Operations Contingency Planning:  Mr. DesLauriers has formed four staff committees to plan every detail of how we will work around construction next year, from athletics to community events to woodworking classes.  The committees are all overseen by Vice Principal Ron Orser, and their chairs are as follows: 
  • Facilities/Day-to-Day Operations Committee - Chair: Doug Corbett
  • Athletics Committee - Chair: Doug Corbett
  • Special Events Committee - Chair: Darren McCormick
  • Campus Ministry Committee - Chair: Dave Mattiazzo
• The Next Phase - Field and Field House:   The More Spirit Campaign will continue, with a focus on raising the funds to install a turf field, which has always been part of the plan.  We are looking to people who have NOT YET GIVEN to the More Spirit Campaign to step up now and help build STM a field fit to be called the Home of the Knights.  We'll focus our fundraising efforts on alumni, foundations and current families who haven't yet given.  (If you've already given, we'll give you a break from continued requests!)  Stay tuned for progress reports on the More Spirit Campaign, Phase 2! 

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact Jenifer Jayme at (604) 521-1801 ext 131 or jen.shelnutt@stmc.bc.ca  for the straight scoop.  Thank you for all of your amazing support!