Artistic rendering of the new Holy Trinity Academy provided by FWBA Architects and the Medicine Hat Catholic School Division. Construction is expected to begin early 2025.--SUPPLIED IMAGE
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Next Wednesday the Medicine Hat Catholic School Division is inviting the community to take a first look at the new Holy Trinity Academy building design as well as taking a virtual tour of the new educational space being designed with student accessibility in mind.
“I think first and foremost one of the things we’re really excited about was that accessibility for students was a primary factor in our planning,” said superintendent Dwayne Zarichny, who told the News the accessibility for students will become a pillar in the province.
“Right from the design of the accessible bathrooms to classrooms with movable shelving … It should be one of the most successful schools in the province so we’re really excited about that,” added Zarichny.
Additionally the new school will boost a 400-seat theatre, two full-sized gymnasiums as well as dedicated science and arts classrooms, dance studio and food labs that will have the ability to host a concession stand.
The concession stand could become a popular place during sporting tournaments and community events – one of the most “exciting features” of the building is its connection with Monsignor McCoy High School – extending the size of events that can be held on campus.
“It will make a tremendous facility for our community to have access to,” says Zarichny.
Likewise education spaces inside the school have also been designed to accommodate large groups or learning activities, providing teachers flexibility to use the space for a variety of purposes.
“A number of the rooms are multi-use rooms, some of them have walls that can fold and open up into one big room,” describes Zarichny, who says the intent is the facilities can be shared with McCoy allowing students to access the school if they are interested in one of its specialized courses.
Trustees heard Tuesday during a public meeting the three-hour open house that will be held in the current St. Francis Xavier School gymnasium will allow participants to take a virtual tour of the new school using their phones and augmented reality.
“So folks will put on a headset or use their phone and be able to walk through the building, and at the same time, whatever they’re looking at will be projected onto a screen so everyone else can see what they’re seeing as well,” said Zarichny. “So not everybody has to put their glasses on but it will be a neat opportunity for the community to see what the school looks like.”
The project has gone to tender and shovels are expected to break ground early 2025. The division expects construction to be completed in 2027.
The open house is planned between 5-8 p.m Oct. 16 in the St. Francis Xavier School gym and will feature the architect and design team.
