Proactive maintenance continues this summer at Yukon schools

Recognizing the importance of maintaining educational facilities, the Government of Yukon undertakes a range of maintenance activities in Yukon schools every year. This work addresses infrastructure service needs to ensure Yukon schools are safe environments for all students and staff.

Some notable examples of larger projects in the past year include:

• Replacing the roof and siding at the Watson Lake Secondary School;
• Upgrading the student drop-off area and parking lot at Christ the King Elementary School;
• Building an addition at Selkirk Elementary School;
• Installing an upgraded PA system at Hidden Valley Elementary School;
• Replacing the flooring in classrooms at Porter Creek Secondary School; and
• Upgrading the fire alarm system at St. Elias Community School.

Some examples of projects underway this summer include:

• Tree removal at Jack Hulland Elementary School to build a perimeter path and improve safety on the school grounds;
• Replacing the lighting in the gymnasium at Ross River School;
• Mechanical upgrades at Robert Service School; and
• Installing new siding at Elijah Smith Elementary School.

The Yukon government strives to provide a comprehensive operations and maintenance program to all schools to ensure the integrity of each building. The preventative maintenance plan includes regular maintenance activities such as:

• backup generator testing;
• fire alarm, fire extinguisher and emergency light testing and maintenance;
• overhead door servicing;
• boiler cleaning and servicing;
• air system cleaning, air filter changes;
• propane appliance servicing; and
• irrigation system start up and shut down.

Larger maintenance projects and upgrades in schools are typically planned during low-occupancy times such as when the school is vacant during the holiday season, spring break or summer. Larger maintenance projects are also planned and delivered every summer when school facilities are vacant, heating systems are not in use and the ground is not frozen. This work focuses on:

• refurbishment, such as re-doing flooring and painting walls;
• exterior maintenance, such as updates or repairs to paint and siding, exterior doors, boarding up windows to prevent vandalism and parking lot maintenance;
• interior maintenance, such as boiler replacements, lighting upgrades and repairs to plumbing infrastructure, heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC);
• cleaning schools thoroughly through the summer cleaning program delivered by custodial teams;
• reconditioning sports fields and upgrading irrigation systems; and
• end-of-lifecycle upgrades and demolitions where systems or buildings are no longer serviceable.

Every effort is made to minimize disruptions and inconveniences to students, families and teachers. If any of the summer projects impact users returning to school for the 2023–24 school year, the affected school community will be notified in advance of classes starting.