Province says keys missing for 6 joint-use schools in Sask.

Just as doors are about to close for the summer, six joint-use schools in Saskatchewan are getting brand new keys.

Phil Pearson, the executive director of infrastructure with the Ministry of Education, said the contractor, Johnson Controls, notified them Friday morning that the original keys were missing.

“What we know right now is that the contractor, who had the keys taken from (them), have arranged to have the exterior door locks re-keyed at those affected schools,” Pearson said Tuesday.

The impacted joint-use buildings — four in Saskatoon, and one each in Warman and Martensville — each include a Catholic and public school, a childcare centre and community space.

Pearson said the affected school divisions have communicated the incident with parents.

He added that, as a precaution, the school divisions and contractor agreed to have a commissionaire outside each site to “monitor external traffic” while the locks are being re-keyed.

“(The commissionaire) would likely be visible. There’s a good chance someone would see them — the intent is to ensure they are monitoring what is going on at these sites,” he said.

The province couldn’t provide details on how the keys went missing.

There’s no set timeline for when the re-keying will be complete, but Pearson said it’s expected to be done by the end of the week.

He added the ministry has asked Johnson Controls to review its key protocols and report back about what changes can be put in place.

While there’s no estimate on the price tag, Pearson said all costs are being borne by the contractor.

Calls for comment from Johnson Controls have not been returned at this time.