Media ReleaseElk Island Public Schools 683 Wye Road, Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8B 1N2 Phone (780) 464-EIPS (3477)

Monday, June 22, 2009, Sherwood Park – Fort Saskatchewan Elementary School will be the location of a hands-on training session for the Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department the weekend of June 27-28, 2009. Once utilities are shut off and all safety requirements are met, firefighters will get the green light to cut a hole in the roof and enter the south end of the building, which is scheduled for demolition the following Monday.

To enhance the real-life aspect of this training exercise, firefighters may introduce a smoke-like vapour. In addition, residents and on-lookers will notice firefighting vehicles and rescue equipment in the school’s parking lot. Please rest assured, it will not be real smoke coming from the building during this simulated training exercise.

The exact date and time of the exercise will be decided on Friday, June 26 at a Safety Meeting attended by all key stakeholders. On Monday following, Chandos Construction will begin demolishing the south end of the building to make way for a 4235 square metre addition.

Over the course of the next two years, the Unique, United construction project will see Fort Saskatchewan Elementary School undergo a facelift to modernize existing space and increase its size. Once complete, the new and renovated facility will be home to both Fort Saskatchewan Elementary and Fort Saskatchewan Christian schools. The addition scheduled for completion in July 2011, will expand the school to 6856 square metres.

Fort Elementary students will continue attending classes as usual throughout construction. Students and staff will face minimal disruptions as the gymnasium and computer lab will remain open for use. Fort Christian students and staff will remain at their current location at 9935-93 Avenue in Fort Saskatchewan until construction is complete in 2011.

Date: Saturday, June 27 or Sunday, June 28 (tba) Time: tba Location: Fort Saskatchewan Elementary School 9802 101 Street Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 1V4

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For additional information please contact: Basil David, EIPS Facility Services Director 417-8125 / 619-8171 Pattie Danos, EIPS Communication Services Director 417-8204 / 975-5970 Merlin Klassen, Fort Saskatchewan Fire Chief 998-4858

Firefighters to conduct training exercise in Fort Saskatchewan Elementary School