NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2009EDUC0019-000495 October 16, 2009

Ministry of Education

 

NEW, GREEN HIGHLANDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPENS

 

NORTH VANCOUVER – The new eco-friendly Highlands Elementary school was officially opened today with a celebration attended by students, parents, teachers, school district and local officials, announced West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan.

 

“The community of North Vancouver can be proud of this safe, sustainable school,” said Sultan. “The many health-sensitive and energy-saving features will ensure a functional and comfortable setting for staff and students and provide operational savings for the district.”

 

 The Ministry of Education spent $13 million to replace the original 1950 school. Like its predecessor, the new Highlands Elementary can accommodate two Kindergarten classrooms and 350 Grades 1-7 students.

 

The replacement school was built following sustainable design principles within budget. Close to a quarter-million dollars went to green building initiatives for the new school. Marmoleum, which is made from natural materials and can be recycled, was used for sheet flooring. Occupancy sensors were installed in all classrooms. Lights and ventilation equipment are controlled by these motion sensors and thus energy use and operating costs are minimized.

 

“We continue to support the replacement of older schools with modern, efficient, and eco-friendly new facilities,” said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. “We are proud that B.C. is on the leading edge of environmentally-responsible school construction.”

 

Native plants were used in landscaping and drought resistant shrubs were used. Existing trees threatened by construction were transplanted where possible. Bio-swales were employed to drain the fields and control the rate at which surface water enters nearby streams thereby protecting fish habitat.

 

“We thank the ministry for funding an entirely new building for Highlands,” said Susan Skinner, chairperson of the North Vancouver Board of Education. “A new school was essential for this community and we appreciate the Ministry’s commitment to seeing modern, safe and sustainable learning environments for our students.”

              Since 2001, 13 capital projects worth $62.9 million have been completed in the North Vancouver school district. During that same time the Province has spent more than $1.5 billion to complete 75 new and replacement schools, 147 additions, 26 renovation projects and 20 site acquisitions across B.C. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.

By the end of 2009/10, the Province will have committed more than $3.8 billion in school capital and maintenance projects across the province. As outlined by Premier Campbell, all new school construction projects will include B.C. wood in their construction whenever possible.

 

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Contact:

Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963

 

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