SCHOOLS TO BE SAFER WITH $11.2-MILLION SEISMIC UPGRADES

VICTORIA – Students and staff will soon be safer in four more B.C. schools, thanks to $11.2 million in seismic upgrades, Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon, West Vancouver-Garibaldi MLA Joan McIntyre and Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman announced today.

“School safety is a priority for this government,” said Cantelon. “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive approach to seismically upgrade schools throughout the province through a $1.5-billion, 15-year investment.”

“The upgrades will strengthen the structure of these four schools,” said McIntyre. “This will help ensure that these schools provide safer learning environments for students and staff.”

“We are working to ensure that schools are safer learning environments for students and staff,” said Coleman. “These schools are four of many that will receive seismic upgrades over the next year.”

Myrtle Philip Community school in Whistler will receive a $2-million seismic upgrade beginning in January 2009 and finishing in the fall of 2009. The school will be used during the 2010 Olympic Games.

The preparations for the $2.2-million seismic upgrade to Parksville Elementary school in the Qualicum school district will begin in August 2008. Construction is expected to begin in January 2009 and be completed in early 2010.

Peterson Road Elementary school in Langley will receive a $2.3-million upgrade. The budget includes funding for temporary accommodation for the students. The school’s gymnasium was seismically upgraded in 2003. Construction at Peterson Road is expected to begin in August 2008 and be completed the following summer.

The almost $4.7-million seismic upgrade to Spencer Middle school in Langford is expected to begin in October 2008. The budget includes funding for portable classrooms to house students during construction. These portables will be relocated to subsequent seismic projects when the work at Spencer is completed in early 2010.

Seismic work to the schools will include strengthening roofs, foundations and interior and exterior shear walls and reinforcing connection points between them, as well as upgrading electrical and heating systems where necessary.

“We will continue our work with school districts to ensure that our seismic projects are given priority and continue to move forward,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “The improvements included in these four projects will help make the schools safer for students and teachers, so everyone can achieve their best.”

Since 2001, the Province has spent more than $1.3 billion to complete 26 new schools, 41 replacements, 147 additions and 25 renovation projects across British Columbia. By the end of 2008-09, the Province will have invested more than $3.1 billion in school capital and maintenance projects across the province.

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Media contact:	Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963

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