Province funds seismic mitigation at South Vancouver school after trustees back interim long-term plan
The B.C. government has announced that it will spend $11.6 million on a seismic upgrade at Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith elementary school in Vancouver.
The school at 6901 Elliott Street is in the Vancouver-Fraserview constituency of Attorney General Suzanne Anton.
According to a B.C. government news release, walls and columns will be reinforced in 18 classrooms, the library, and the gym. New storm and water lines will also be built.
“The Vancouver Board of Education is pleased to see the ministry commit funding for this project," Vancouver school board chair Mike Lombardi said in the news release. "Our goal is to get students and staff into safe schools as quickly as possible.”
The announcement came two days after Vancouver school trustees voted unanimously in favour of an interim long-term facilities plan.
It could see the province fund more seismic upgrades if the district can boost overall student capacity in schools from 84.6 percent to 95 percent.
According to a report that went to the Vancouver school board this month, this could require the closure of up to 12 elementary schools and one secondary school over the next 15 years.
The board's vote earlier this week kick-starts a consultation process before any decisions will be made.
Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith elementary was included on a recent Vancouver school board list of schools deemed an "immediate priority" for seismic upgrades.
“This is a great project for Vancouver-Fraserview because this historic school will be safer and more structurally sound to protect our children and their teachers,” Anton said in the news release.
The other "immediate" priorities, according to the board, are Cavell, Wolfe, Prince of Wales, Tennyson, Maple Grove, Weir, Jamieson, Thompson, Bayview, Point Grey, Hamber, Killarney, and Lloyd George.
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