After two years of renovations that could end up costing $11 million more than originally budgeted, the doors at a downtown Toronto public school reopened Tuesday.
While the grounds surrounding Nelson Mandela Park Public School are still under construction, the school’s interior had been completed so students could get back into the classroom.
Parents told CTV Toronto they’re relieved that the school is open again.
“I’m pretty happy. It’s been a long time that they’ve been waiting,” one mother said.
The school, located in Regent Park on Shuter St., near Parliament, was supposed to open last September, but construction went over time and over budget.
Last fall, the Toronto District School Board projected the $21.7-million project could end up costing as much as $11 million more than expected.
News of the overrun caused a scandal that resulted in a provincial funding freeze on the TDSB’s budget for capital projects. As a result, planned renovations at more than a dozen schools were put on hold.
In January, the provincial government released $13 million for renovations at three other Toronto public schools, though all other schools awaiting renovation funding will remain without it until the board and province reach a resolution.
School Trustee Sheila Ward, who represents Ward 14 Toronto Centre-Rosedale, where Nelson Mandela Park Public School is located, told CTV Toronto that mistakes were made along the way.
“Can we have done a better job? Absolutely. You can’t possibly have this kind of mistake and stand back and say ‘Oh well, we did everything right. I mean, no we didn’t,’” she said.
Meanwhile parents said the renovations are a big improvement to the 97-year-old building.
"Amazing. It's so big, so nice, and clean and everything (is) new. It's good," one mother said.
Until this week, about 350 students -- from junior kindergarten to Grade 8 -- were attending classes at the nearby Regent Park/Duke of York Public School.
With a report from CTV Toronto’s Janice Golding
