Students at Horizon Jeunesse high school in Laval could be relocated until mid-October if tests conclude that there was asbestos contamination on the premises. A situation that is causing “a lot of stress” for many.
It was on the eve of the start of the school year, while work was underway at the school, that the ventilation system was “accidentally activated”. However, asbestos removal was underway.
“To date, we cannot confirm that there has been any dispersion of asbestos fibres or exposure,” wrote the Laval school service centre (CSSDL) in a presentation made to parents on Thursday evening.
The test results should be known on Friday. If the school is deemed safe, the school should return to school on September 9, the CSSDL indicates. Otherwise, “relocation” is envisaged until mid-October.
In addition to finding new premises, school transport would need to be reorganised.
“For parents, there is a lot of anxiety, a lot of stress. These are children who have experienced the pandemic, the teachers’ strike. It’s another setback for these parents,” says Patrick Dulong-Boudreau, president of the CSSDL parents’ committee.
He nevertheless emphasizes that the service center is there to answer the many questions that are raised by parents.
The CSSDL says it is supported by Public Health, which confirms that the “actions are in line with good practices”.
The Horizon Jeunesse school was built 53 years ago. According to the most recent government data on the dilapidation of schools, it is classified as a “D”, which means that it is in “poor condition”.
The work that was carried out this summer included renovating the gymnasium and upgrading science laboratories.