Lab-École and Western Quebec School Board announce exciting Lab-École Gatineau project

Tashi Farmilo

Lab-École and the Western Quebec School Board have unveiled an exciting new project: Lab-École Gatineau. With great enthusiasm, key figures from Lab-École, the government, and educational institutions gathered to mark the official launch of this highly-anticipated endeavor.

The Lab-École Gatineau project will involve expanding the Pierre Elliott Trudeau elementary school, adding a remarkable 3,100 m2 to the existing premises. The expansion includes the addition of eight new classrooms, bringing the total number of available classrooms to eight for preschool and 26 for the primary level. Furthermore, the project encompasses a simple gymnasium and gathering spaces designed for collaboration and dining.

"The school applies a holistic learning approach; i.e., project-based learning that values mutual aid, listening, and respect for the natural environment," stated Dominique Laflamme, Lab-École Director General. The project aims to cultivate the personal development of each student, encompassing their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It emphasizes the provision of spaces of various sizes to offer a diverse learning experience, including classrooms and smaller spaces for collaboration and concentration.

Designed by DMA Architectes, winners of the Imaginative Architecture Competition, the Lab-École Gatineau project captures the essence of the courtyard theme, emphasizing the importance of community and a sense of belonging. It aims to create an inclusive and emotionally stable environment for students, promoting holistic and discovery-based approaches to teaching. Nature plays a significant role, with integration as a source of contemplation and learning.

Dominique Laflamme also highlighted the integration of nature into daily learning as a vital aspect of the school's philosophy. "To extend learning activities in the playground, the school will offer simple, pleasant access to the outdoors from classrooms, collaborative spaces, and sports areas," he said. Outdoor spaces will be valued as sources of learning, with plans for an outdoor classroom, covered area, amphitheater, greenhouse, and vegetable garden.

Financially supported by the Quebec government, Lab-École Gatineau is estimated to cost $37.4 million. The Ministry of Education has contributed $30.1 million, while the Western Quebec School Board has assumed the remaining investment required to complete the project.

Lab-École Gatineau promises numerous benefits for students attending Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School. It aims to nurture students who move more, collaborate better, and eat better. The project aspires to cultivate curiosity, commitment to learning, awareness of environmental issues, and an active lifestyle. Additionally, it aims to instill sensitivity toward the needs of others and the community, fostering pride and respect for the environment.

"The Lab-École Gatineau project has garnered enthusiastic support from influential figures who are excited about its potential," said Bernard Drainville, Minister of Education, emphasizing the government's dedication to promoting educational excellence. "We want our young people to thrive in bright, modern spaces, and this project perfectly fulfills that need," he added, extending his congratulations to the project's contributors.

Expressing gratitude for the Lab-École model, Suzanne Tremblay, MP for Hull, praised the opportunities it presents for academic achievement in the Outaouais region. "The Lab-École initiative is a remarkable contribution to our community, and I commend the team's exceptional work," she stated, highlighting its positive impact.

Ricardo Larrivée, co-founder of Lab-École, underscored the project's focus on well-being, engaged learning, and educational success. "We are committed to nurturing students' overall development, including their nutrition. Through the expansion project, we will provide dedicated spaces for knowledge-sharing, unique experiences, and, of course, good food!" Larrivée enthusiastically remarked.

Principal David McFall of Pierre Elliott Trudeau School hailed the Lab-École vision as transformative, empowering the health and educational achievements of young Quebecers. "Lab-École offers a new philosophy that revolutionizes our approach to education, ensuring the success of our students," McFall stated with conviction.

Photo: Renowned chef and Lab-École co-founder, M. Ricardo Larrivée, alongside the Honourable Michèle Audette, senator and Lab-École Board member, Wayne Daly, chairman of Western Québec, Pascal Proulx, assistant director general of Western Québec, and David McFall, school principal, break ground on the long-awaited project. (TF) Photo courtesy of the Western Québec School Board