Millions Invested to Replace Bubbly Concrete in Hamilton Catholic Schools
The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) is set to invest nearly $22 million in replacing deteriorating bubbly concrete at several of its older schools. This concrete, known as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), has shown signs of significant wear, particularly from water damage, leading to increased cracking compared to other materials.
Background on RAAC
RAAC was widely used in building constructions across Ontario from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s. Its composition includes a mixture of sand, Portland cement, and aluminum powder. During curing, hydrogen gas forms air bubbles, resulting in a lightweight structure. However, the Rimkus report, published in 2024 by Infrastructure Ontario, highlights RAAC’s vulnerability to failure over time, particularly under moisture exposure and structural loads.
Funding for Replacement
The HWCDSB has secured approximately $21.9 million in funding through the Ministry of Education to facilitate the removal and replacement of RAAC. This financial support is part of the School Condition Improvement program. The board plans to implement seven RAAC replacement projects across identified school sites as part of its capital renewal strategy.
All projects funded are expected to be substantially completed by August 31 of this year. Debbie McGreal-Dinning, HWCDSB’s media and communications manager, emphasized the importance of addressing aging concrete components within older school buildings.
Provincial Context and Monitoring
The Ministry of Education allocated $300 million specifically for RAAC removal across approved school sites. HWCDSB is one of 18 school boards in Ontario receiving this funding, contributing to the monitoring of approximately 360 schools—about eight percent of the province’s 4,800 educational facilities.
Following the closure of the Ontario Science Centre in June 2024 due to safety concerns related to RAAC, a memorandum from the Ministry mandated all school boards to implement assessment and management strategies for buildings containing this material.
Current Status of Projects
- The identified roofs have undergone assessments, showing no immediate safety concerns.
- Contractors for the HWCDSB RAAC projects have not yet been appointed.
- The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has not sought funding for RAAC removal, reporting no current needs for replacement.
In conclusion, the HWCDSB is taking proactive measures to ensure safety and structural integrity in its aging school buildings as they tackle the challenges posed by RAAC. The investment reflects a commitment to maintaining a secure learning environment for students and staff alike.
