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VICTORIA – A refurbished Monterey middle school, complete with seismic upgrades and environmentally friendly renovations, will ensure a safer learning environment for students and staff, Community Services Minister and Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong announced at a school ceremony today.
“These seismic upgrades are part of the Province’s $1.5-billion dollar plan to prepare our schools in the event of a seismic event,” said Chong. “Monterey school has served the Victoria community for over 80 years, and these improvements will ensure it continues to for years to come.”
The school’s centre block, built in
1919, has been replaced with a new 2.5-storey concrete core that will provide
seismic support for the remainder of the school.
The seismic upgrades were undertaken at the same time as the conversion and expansion of Monterey from an elementary to a middle school. The new school will accommodate 475 students in grades 6 to 8.
The school is greener with the installation of new, efficient lighting fixtures throughout, an upgraded heating and ventilation system that is far more energy efficient, and linoleum flooring produced from renewable materials throughout the building.
“These improvements will ensure students and staff have a safer, more environmentally friendly place to learn and work,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “By working in partnership with the school district, we’re able to improve the structural integrity of the building while also reducing our environmental footprint.”
The Ministry of Education provided $2.8 million in seismic upgrade funding, with the school district providing $6.8 million from the sale of surplus assets and restricted capital. The renovations include a new wood shop, music and home economics rooms and a new library. There will also be a new elevator installed for better access.
Combining the seismic upgrade with
the conversion project reduced costs by scheduling the work simultaneously and
streamlining the tender process.
“Working with the Province to co-ordinate Monterey’s
expansion and seismic upgrade is very positive,” said Victoria board of
education chair Tom Ferris. “This project is wise use of the taxpayers’ dollars
that further enhances school safety and creates a wonderful middle school
facility.”
Since 2001, government
has spent more than $1.3 billion to complete 26 new schools, 41 replacement
schools, 147 additions, 25 renovations and 20 site acquisitions across British
Columbia. By the end of 2008-09,
government will have invested more than $3.1 billion in school capital and
maintenance projects across B.C.
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Ministry of Education 250 356-5963 |
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