$10.7 MILLION FOR BRANTFORD ELEMENTARY EXPANSION

BURNABY – The Province has approved $10.7 million for an addition and seismic upgrades to Brantford Elementary in Burnaby, Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney announced today.

“These important improvements will provide Brantford Elementary students, teachers and staff with a better learning and working environment as well as benefit the community as a whole,” said Nuraney. “The school district and our government are working strategically to meet the needs of Burnaby students by planning for future demands in the area.”

The addition at Brantford Elementary will cost $7.5 million and create 250 additional spaces, which will reduce overcrowding at surrounding schools.

“We are pleased to work with the government on the expansion and improvement of Brantford Elementary,” said Burnaby board of education chair Kathy Corrigan. “The addition will particularly benefit Marlborough Elementary, the largest elementary school in the province, by providing additional capacity in the area.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2009 and is expected to be completed by September 2010. The seismic upgrades, costing $3.2 million, include:

o Strengthening existing roofs.

o Constructing new shearwalls.

o Reinforcing concrete walls.

o Improving connections between roofs, walls and floors.

o Upgrading foundations.

“I am encouraged to see school districts work on innovative and cost-saving ideas for capital and seismic projects,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “Expanding and improving Brantford Elementary is part of a long-term plan this government has for enhancing school infrastructure.”

Since 2001, seven capital projects worth $65.6 million have been completed in the Burnaby school district. In addition, seismic upgrades are currently underway or ready to proceed to construction at six schools, as well as the $50.6 million replacement of Burnaby Central Secondary that was approved this summer. Currently, 30 seismic upgrades have been completed across B.C., 33 more are under construction, and a further 13 projects are approved to proceed to construction.

During the same period, the Province has spent over $1.4 billion to complete 73 new and replacement schools, 147 additions, 25 renovation projects and 20 site acquisitions across British Columbia. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.

In addition, every year, the Province provides a total of $5 million to districts in seismic-designated zones to complete “non-structural” seismic work. This includes work such as attaching cabinets to walls, covering windows with protective film and securing lights. By the end of 2008-09, the Province will have committed more than $3.1 billion in school capital and maintenance projects across B.C.

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

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