Hunting Hills High School celebrates end of multi-year renovation project

“It’s a big relief but I’m really happy and excited,” Farmakis said in an interview following the completion of the project. “It’s been many years working behind the scene working for this to happen… We still have some deficiences like any other major project and they’re only minor ones. We’re working with the contractors.

(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

The whole project first began with a startup meeting in February 2023, which was sparked by longstanding issues including the roof that often leaked in multiple places, and the temperature that was inconsistent throughout the school.

This included a full roof replacement with upgrades to insulation. All of the sky lights in the school were replaced with clerestory windows, which brings in natural light and decreases the chances of future leaks.

“When I started in 2018 with the division, this school was an ongoing problem I was told and I saw it. I was here and saw buckets all over the place,” Farmakis added. “It was a problem since the 90s’ when the school first opened and you heard stories inside.”

(Red Deer Public School Division/ supplied)

To address the temperature inconsistencies, all of the school’s air handling units were upgraded including the resizing of unit six, which delivers air to the new areas. A new air chiller unit was also added. Farmakis explained the upgrade to the units was needed because they weren’t designed to handle the capacity of the school at its current state.

Before the upgrades, many classrooms had portable air conditioners, Farmakis said to help keep up with demands of cooling. However, it would often not meet those needs.

The building envelope received a major upgrade with energy efficient windows, better insulation, and a modern design.

The east parking lot was expanded by adding 40 new parking stalls and a safer student drop off zone.

The administration and physical education spaces were redesigned to be more modern and a discreet prayer room was added within the administrative area.

There were also two barrier free assisted washrooms added, one on each floor, equipped with lifts and other accessible features. The bathrooms are also now gender fluid.

The main lobby, which was referred to as the pit due to the lower floor, was filled to upgrade the area. Clerestory windows were also added to the entrance.

The entire school has been repainted, refitted with LED lighting, new flooring, lockers were repainted, and both gymnasium floors were sanded, refinished and repainted to reflect school colours.

There is also a new eight classroom extension on the north side of the school adding 995 square metres of new learning spaces. The new wing is also designed to accomodate an additional expansion of eight classrooms if student enrolment grows in the future.

(Red Deer Public School Division/ supplied)

Throughout the process, students and staff constantly had to adapt to ongoing construction while continuing classes as normal.

“That was the biggest challenge of the project to move students around as things were being constructed,” he said.

Darwin Roscoe, who is retiring after the end of the school year after serving 10 years as principal at Hunting Hills, said the leaky roof and warm temperatures throughout the school helped shape the spirit of Hunting Hills.

However, after three years of collaboration, they’ve transformed the school into a state-of-the-art learning facility.

“This modernized school, with reliable thermostats, quiet classrooms, and a roof that keeps the rain where it belongs, is your canvas for your future,” Roscoe said while addressing students at the ceremony. “It’s a place to dream, create, and to grow as a strong and vibrant community. I’m proud to have been a part of this journey.”

by Ian Gustafson

Hunting Hills High School celebrates end of multi-year renovation project

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