Glenview Construction Updates

Aug. 29, 2023

Dear Glenview Public School families,

Thank you to everyone who joined us this afternoon for the information session. For those who were unable to attend, we are writing to provide you with a summary of the session. 

Background of School

• Glenview PS was built in 1951 with an addition in 1952 and another in 1958. The school size is 3,147 square metres and sits on 2.31 hectares of land.

• Specific to the gymnasium, a rooftop unit was added for ventilation measures in 1991.

• The roof was replaced in 2017. The roofing was replaced with like-for-like insulation and built-up roofing material.

What Happened

Families can review the detailed timeline of events. Below are the details of the collapse, as summarized by the structural engineer. 

• The timber roof trusses that span the width of the gym, supporting the subject roof top unit, experienced significant stress.

• Upon our review, it appeared that the roof unit (and HVAC unit) was placed on the roof some time after original construction (not part of the original build).

• The structure, being timber, is subject to humidity changes and some of the larger timbers likely had drying shrinkage (cracks). This is not uncommon. Over time, the members reacted to the additional loading, resulting in the stresses noted.

• To add to this, a heavy rainstorm the day before, compounded with the sagging roof, added water load due to ponding and ultimately caused the roof to collapse. 

Glenview School Inspections

• The HDSB reviews all schools regularly and through a variety of lenses and mechanisms that support our operations and maintenance planning.

• Roof inspections are completed every six months by our team members and these were conducted at Glenview PS. 

• Asbestos containing material inspections were conducted in July of 2016. No asbestos containing materials were present in the gymnasium. The gym storage rooms contained non-friable asbestos containing floor tile and non-friable asbestos containing cement board on the walls. These were properly disposed of by our demolition contractor.

• Through the Ontario Ministry of Education Assessment Program, an audit of Glenview PS was completed in September 2018. This assesses the needs of the school in terms of mechanical, electrical, site, architectural and structural needs. 

• At the time of this inspection, minor brick spalling, repointing of mortar and sealing of some joints was noted.

• Glenview PS has undergone an inspection of all classrooms and other spaces to ensure the remainder of the school is structurally sound and safe for returning staff, students, and community.

• Facility Services staff will review our inspection programs with third-party expertise to ensure that we meet or exceed industry standards.

Assessment of other HDSB Schools

• The gym structure at Glenview PS is unique and while we continue to review our other schools, we believe that this unique wooden truss is the only one in the Halton District School Board.

• Similar aged schools in the local area have been inspected and have steel trusses. 

• The HDSB has reviewed similar structures and spans (gyms and libraries) in our inventory over the summer months. None have been identified.

Interim Measures

The HDSB has reviewed numerous options for alternate physical education spaces for this school year. We are looking to proceed with physical education at St. Matthew On The Plains and Active Aldershot. Partnerships with these facilities would begin in October/November 2023 as students are able to have physical education outdoors in the warmer months.

Please note that Active Aldershot would require students to cross the street at the crosswalk on Plains Road. We are exploring various options, including having parent/guardian volunteers walk with classes to support student safety, as well as a shuttle which could transport students and staff to the facility. We are requesting feedback from parents/guardians on these options, as we understand parents may have concerns about this. 

New Gym Plans

As the former gym does not meet today’s standards for size and amenities, we are proposing a new double gym that is 6450 sf, nearly double the size of the previous gym. You will find the approximate approvals and timelines below.

The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. During construction, we will have a detailed safety plan to ensure the safety of students, staff and families. 

Approvals and Timeline

• Board approval – September 2023

• Ministry approval – October 2023

• Municipal approvals – site plan and building permit

• Tender – December 2023

• Award – January 2024

• Construction – 12 months

• Grand opening – Approximately January 2025

Sincerely,

Nick Frankovich

Superintendent of Education

Ian Gaudet 

Superintendent of Facility Services

Dear Glenview Public School families,

I am writing to update you on the Glenview PS gymnasium roof damage. I understand there are many questions regarding the circumstances and timelines of the gym roof collapse and the rebuilding of the gymnasium. 

I want to begin by underscoring that the safety and well-being of students and staff is our highest priority. We know parents/guardians entrust us with their children and we do not take that responsibility lightly. I know what it means to be a concerned parent and I can assure you that we would not allow our schools to open and operate if there was a risk to students. 

Since we updated you last Monday, HDSB Facility Services staff have taken a number of steps to address and investigate the gym roof collapsing and begin planning the rebuild, including:

• Assessing the entire site to ensure the safety of the whole school building, including structural inspections in each classroom. 

• Demolishing the gymnasium to prevent further damage to the school and secure the site.

• Meeting with an architect to review the site and develop plans for a new and reinvisioned gym that will serve the Glenview PS community.

• Investigating similar schools in the HDSB built by the same contractor to ensure there are no outstanding issues.   

• Reviewing inspection reports to see if there were any concerns that were missed.

We have developed a Q&A and timeline of events to help answer questions from families. The Q&A is based on questions we have been receiving. We encourage you to view the following documents:

• Glenview PS Gym Roof & Rebuild - Q&A

• Timeline of Events - Glenview PS Gym Roof & Rebuild

I appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. 

Sincerely,

Nick Frankovich

Superintendent of Education

Dear Glenview PS families,

We are writing to inform you that the gymnasium roof of Glenview PS collapsed over the weekend. As you may be aware, the gymnasium and stage were closed to students and staff prior to the end of the school year due to a safety concern. 

As a result of this safety concern, the HDSB had secured a structural engineering company to assess the gym on Thursday, June 29, 2023. 

As always, the safety and well-being of students and staff is our highest priority. The school will be closed to all visitors and staff until further notice. The HDSB continues to work with the structural engineers and a restoration company to determine next steps.

We understand there will be many questions regarding the circumstances and timelines for our rebuilding of the gymnasium. We will provide families with a more fulsome update in the weeks ahead. 

Wishing all of our Glenview families a great summer.

Sincerely,

Reg Farnand -Principal

Nick Frankovich - Superintendent of Education