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Construction of the long-delayed JK-Grade 12 school in Parry Sound took another turn Wednesday morning when the province announced it had terminated the agreement with the contractor building the new facility.

Education Minister Paul Calandra made the announcement in an open letter to parents, posted on the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) website.

“This decision followed an extensive period of review and engagement, including formal notices of default and opportunity for the contractor to resolve the outstanding concerns of NNDSB,” the letter said.

The new school has been in the works for years and was supposed to open in September 2025. However, the board announced in August that it wouldn’t be ready in time, forcing some students to begin the year learning remotely.

The delay and the way it was handled prompted an investigation of the board, which revealed serious issues both with the administration and trustees. That review ultimately led the province to take control of the board.

In announcing it was terminating the agreement with the contractor in charge of building the new school, Calandra said several factors went into the decision.

“The absence of a reliable and regularly updated construction schedule,” the letter said.

“The performance of work in accordance with the contract documents. The prompt correction of defective work and deficiencies (and) the registration of numerous construction liens against the project.”

Taken together, the province decided that “continuing under the existing arrangement would place the project’s successful completion and timeline at risk.”

“This action was taken as a last resort and reflects the board’s responsibility to intervene when a major capital project is no longer on a reliable path forward.”

The goal now is to find a new contractor that will ensure the new school is ready to open in September 2026.

“We will secure a new general contractor and maintain close oversight of the project to support a smooth transition and minimize disruption,” Calandra’s letter said.

“Our focus is firmly on students and families, and on ensuring public resources are managed responsibly and in the best interests of the community.”

Read the full letter here.

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