MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release – February 26, 2021
Air Quality Project nearing Completion in Prince Albert Catholic Schools

PRINCE ALBERT – Today, the Prince Albert Catholic School Division is nearing substantial completion of the project to improve air quality within all schools. In recognition of the impact of COVID-19 and the importance of air quality for students and staff, the school division embarked on assessing a process to mitigate the propagation and spreading of airborne viruses and bacteria.

Spring 2020, Dan Gareau (Facilities Manager) and other school division personnel began meeting with Public Health officials to plan a safe return to school for staff and students. The planning discussions resulted in engaging with Mechanical Engineering Consultants (HDA Engineering) to assess options based on mechanical systems of all of the Prince Albert Catholic School Division buildings and rooms. 

The air quality project would be considered an additional layer to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Aligned with the recommendations of mechanical engineers, Bipolar Ionization air purifier units were acquired. Historically, air purifiers have not been incorporated in most HVAC systems. This technology safely cleans the air inside industrial, commercial and residential buildings.

As of Friday, February 26, 2021, the project is nearing completion in all of Prince Albert Catholic School Division’s elementary schools (École St. Anne, St Michael, St. John, St. Catherine, St Francis and École Holy Cross). École St. Mary High School, the final school to be completed, is anticipated to be near completion by the end of next week.

The Board of Education’s decision to prioritize the project involved much planning. Board Chair Suzanne Stubbs comments, “The Board of Education proactively knew air quality was extremely important and rallied to proceed to approve the project.” Suzanne Stubbs credits the Board of Education, school division personnel and the associated contractors for their commitment to completing the project while improving conditions for students and staff.

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For more information, please contact:

Lorel Trumier, Director
Prince Albert Catholic School Division
306-953-7500