Community members gathered for a short demonstration in front of Trenton Elementary on Oct. 29. Photo by Aidan Rawding /The NewsArticle contentKeep your word and give the kids of Trenton the new school you promised.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThat’s what Trenton Mayor Alec Dove had to say to Fred Tilley, minister of public works, in Halifax on Thursday.Article contentArticle content“In 2023, the premier of the province came to my town of Trenton with a big announcement, an announcement that our town was waiting for for years. We’re getting a new school, right?” Dove asked during an engagement session with provincial ministers at the fall conference of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities.Article contentArticle contentHe said the town expected more movement by now on the pre-Primary-to-Grade 8 school that was supposed to be open by September 2027, replacing two aging buildings.Article contentHe said it’s “depressing to our town” and residents deserve better.Article content‘Some sort of black material coming down the walls’Article content“I wasn’t kidding when I spoke about kids going to school when it’s raining in the town of Trenton and helping teachers with buckets in their classrooms,” he told reporters after the session. “I wasn’t kidding when I said they’re wearing jackets in the wintertime because there’s an odour in the classrooms and they have to open the windows.”Article contentThere are about 300 students who attend those schools.Article contentTrenton Elementary was built in 1966, and Trenton Middle School was built in 1925, with additions built on through the decades.Article content Trenton Elementary was built in 1966. Photo by Aidan Rawding /The NewsArticle contentThe elementary school isn’t as bad as the junior high, where students have to regularly skip gym class because of flooding, Dove said.Article contentArticle content“It has some sort of black material coming down the walls in the rain,” Dove said. “I mean, there are rooms that they can’t use because the roofs have come in.”Article contentHe said all they’re asking for is the province to honour the promise from two years ago. “It’s that simple.”Article content‘We’re getting crickets’Article contentTwo weeks ago, provincial staff held an information session where it was obvious little progress had been made. Dove said the province has selected a site — it’s the one parents suggested — but hasn’t announced it publicly.Article content“They just basically said it isn’t going to be built in 2027.”Article content Trenton Mayor Alec Dove at the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities conference in Halifax on Thursday. Photo by Jen Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentWhen asked what answers he’s been getting from the province, Dove responded: “We’re getting crickets.”Article contentOn Thursday in front of the NSFM, Fred Tilley, minister of public works, said it certainly won’t be 2027 as it’s almost 2026, but the site selection is going well.Article content“So work is underway. There is a process,” he said, adding that they are committed to building the school.Article content Fred Tilley, minister of public works, speaks at the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities fall conference in Halifax on Thursday. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentIn the news release from 2023, it was noted that the school is part of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s five-year capital plan.Article contentIn the meantime, Dove said he doesn’t know what to tell parents when they ask for an update.Article content“I would hope that Minister Tilley would put the pedal to the floor and push this project ahead as fast as he possibly can. Our children deserve that.”Article content
Trenton mayor demands Nova Scotia deliver on new school promise
