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Out of the ashes of a fire at Bethlehem Catholic High School, a new agreement has risen.
In a statement from the City of Saskatoon, officials said council has approved a “temporary facility-use agreement” that will see the Shaw Centre provide classroom space for the high school, which is located next door.
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The fire at Bethlehem happened Aug. 7, causing significant damage to the school’s new portable classrooms. Other parts of the school also sustained water and smoke damage as a result of the blaze.
The four portable classrooms at the school were described as “a total write-off” by Diane Boyko, board chair of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.
Twenty-two other portables were in the vicinity, and some sustained damage from the fire, as well as smoke and water damage. Boyko said assessors will determine what next steps are required, and whether those units will need to be refurbished or rebuilt.
In an interview not long after the fire, Boyko said that despite the damage, the school year would proceed as planned, with students returning Sept. 2.
Boyko said the division is waiting to see what information police provide about the fire after officers have finished investigating. Saskatoon police described the fire as “suspicious.”
The statement from the city says “designated meeting rooms and multi-purpose space at Shaw Centre will be used as temporary classrooms beginning August 31 through December 31, 2026.”
There is also an option to extend the agreement to the end of the school year if both parties agree.
The Shaw Centre is located between Bethlehem Catholic High School and Tommy Douglas Collegiate.
“Supporting GSCS during this emergency reflects the City of Saskatoon’s commitment to community safety and well-being through strong local partnerships,” the city’s statement said.
Fall drop-in programs and room rentals may be affected by the new agreement. Shaw Centre patrons are encouraged to check schedules online.
—with files from 650 CKOM’s Libby Gray
