Westgate Collegiate Vocational Institute students and staff got an unexpected afternoon off on Monday, thanks to a water-main break on Walsh Street.
Lakehead District School Board education officer Charlie Bishop said the decision to evacuate the building was based on the uncertainty of how long the school would be without water. Under normal circumstances schools can operate for three hours without water, he said.
A city official estimated it might take between four and six hours before the water could be turned back on, though it appeared crews were wrapping up their work as students began exiting the school.
“Because there’s no access to water, there’s no access to being able to flush the toilets and have running water and things like that,” he said. “The boiler system in the school relies on water, so heat is also affected.”
Bishop said the systems would need flushing, further delaying access to water for students and staff.
About 1,000 students were affected by the decision, including 17-year-old Branden Kloosterhuis, who called it a bit of an inconvenience.
“I’m happy to hear it’s all fixed, and I’m hoping to get on with my (work) at school tomorrow,” the Grade 12 student said, before boarding one of 27 buses called in early to ferry students back home for the day.
The youngster said he hoped to take full advantage of the free afternoon.
“I’m probably going to go home, work out a little bit and play some video games,” he said.
Fellow students Caitlyn Earl and Julie Desjardins called it an exciting opportunity.
“It’s like getting a break and it’s been a long day,” Caitlyn said. “I don’t know, but it kind of sucks because you’re going to miss all your schoolwork, but whatever.
“Yeah, it’s more homework tomorrow and more lessons tomorrow,” said Desjardins, who plans to play in the snow for the rest of the day.
Homework also wasn’t in 14-year-old Caitlyn’s plan.
“I’ll probably just chill around the house,” she said.
Bishop said barring further complications, the school would be open for classes on Tuesday.
Monday’s scheduled senior girls volleyball game between Westgate and Superior Collegiate was postponed as a result of the school being shut down.
