The Ministry of Education and the Greater Victoria school district (SD 61) have signed a project agreement to replace Oak Bay High school to better serve students and families.

The new school will be designed to facilitate personalized learning for students while providing day care and other community programs at a new on-site Neighbourhood Learning Centre.

To proceed with the school replacement, ministry and district staff worked closely with local partners to determine the needs of the school and community. With this agreement in hand, the district can now continue with construction plans. It is expected that SD 61 will request open bids this summer, award the project and start construction by spring 2013.

The new Oak Bay High will accommodate up to 1,300 students, including 100 international students. It will be designed to meet the latest seismic construction and LEED Gold or equivalent environmental standards.

The school will serve the Oak Bay community, providing a new theatre in partnership with the District of Oak Bay. It will also include a new Neighbourhood Learning Centre to host seniors' programs and other leisure activities under the management of Oak Bay Parks and Recreation.

Quotes:

Minister of Education George Abbott -

"The new Oak Bay High school and Neighbourhood Learning Centre will provide a modern, integrated learning environment that will serve students as well as the entire Oak Bay community."

"Parents and community members play a key role in the development of our students, and these facilities will help strengthen the bond between children, local families and the community."

MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head Ida Chong -

"The new learning and neighbourhood facilities will bring Oak Bay generations and families closer together. They are an excellent example of how we can maximize the resources available when our municipality, parks and recreation, as well as the school district, collaborate."

Greater Victoria board of education chair Peg Orcherton -

"The Greater Victoria school district is excited to move forward on our plans for the new Oak Bay High. It will be an asset to our students and the public as well, where the whole community can come together under one roof. The partnerships with the District of Oak Bay and Oak Bay Parks and Recreation will bring exciting future opportunities."

Quick Facts:

• Oak Bay High currently has an enrolment of 1,134 students in grades 9-12.
• The existing Oak Bay High is an amalgamation of the original Oak Bay Secondary school (built in 1929) and the Oak Bay Junior High (built in 1953).
• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $95 million on 21 schools for seismic upgrades or replacements in the Greater Victoria school district.
• The government has spent more than $1.8 billion to complete 83 new and replacement schools, 149 additions, 26 renovations and 22 site acquisitions.

Learn More:

Neighbourhood Learning Centres: http://www.neighbourhoodlearningcentres.gov.bc.ca/

SD 61 (Greater Victoria school district): http://www.sd61.bc.ca/

BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963