Whispering Ridge Community School replaces fire damaged classrooms

GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALTA.  – The Whispering Ridge Community School (WRCS) has welcomed new modular classrooms to replace those lost in an April fire.

The school faced fire damage in the early morning of April 11; damage was contained to five modular classrooms occupied by Grade 1 and playschool.

Three modular classrooms were refurbished while two needed to be replaced, said Kayla Klava, spokesperson for Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD).

All five were placed on pilings and will have to be hooked up to the school.

Students can expect to be in the new classrooms in the new year; electrical, plumbing, and HVAC need to be installed first.

After the fire, the Grade 1 and playschool students were moved to the Grande Prairie Alliance Church for classes, said Klava.

“The Grande Prairie Alliance Church opened their arms to our students and staff, making this incredibly challenging situation one that has been filled with love, kindness, and generosity,” said Abby Stilwell, WRCS assistant principal.

“Their facility has allowed us to utilize beautiful learning spaces right here in our own community, which has meant the world to us and our families.”

After the fire, the Community Foundation for the County of Grande Prairie Firefighters gathered toys and school supplies not covered by insurance for the students of WRCS.

“PWPSD would like to send its most sincere thank you to the Grande Prairie Alliance Church, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service, and the rest of the community for showing great support during the last several months” said PWPSD in a release.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the total cost of the damage is still yet to be determined, said Klava.