Mould discovery closes college building

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Aug 27 2006

Penticton Western - Abbotsford,Canada

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paper=102 & cat=23 & id=716339 & more=

Students at Okanagan College in Penticton will be studying on

various new campus locations.

A mould problem and roof damage has forced the college to find

alternatives for students that would have used the 16,000 square

foot Ponderosa building on the Duncan Avenue.

The mould was discovered during a cost assessment for roof repairs.

An environmental testing company was called to determine the extent

of the mould problem.

Although the extent of mould was not considered a health concern,

the college chose to close the building as a precaution.

It has since leased space on the second floor of a building at 246

St. that will be used for continuing studies classes and

offices for college personnel.

The practical nursing students will be moved to Care Centre in

Summerland for lab work.

" We've also had to undertake some quick renovations to the campus to

accommodate more classes and squeeze some more offices in where

possible, " said Donna Lomas, the dean for the region. " It's going to

be a tight squeeze on campus for the next several months, at least. "

Ken Burt, the vice-president of finance and corporate services, said

the school has yet to decide if and when the building will reopen.