The B.C. government is providing an additional $19.5 million in new funding to complete construction of Southern Okanagan Secondary school in Oliver, Minister of Education George Abbott announced.

Much of the school was destroyed in a devastating fire last September as it neared completion of a full renovation and expansion. A new design will replace the burned section and includes a new 14-classroom academic wing, a neighbourhood learning centre and 397-seat theatre. The Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District and Town of Oliver will provide $2.3 million toward construction of the theatre, which will be maintained and operated through a joint-use agreement. Construction is expected to begin this spring and be complete by the fall of 2013.

The original $31 million project was a combination of renovations and replacement of approximately half the school. Before the fire, approximately $25 million of this funding had been invested.

The fire destroyed approximately 60 per cent of the original school, including the library, computer room, administration area, classrooms, a renovated neighbourhood learning centre wing and the historic Frank Venables Auditorium.

A newly constructed building, which survived the fire, includes a science lab, kitchen, shops, art room, two gymnasiums and multi-purpose space. This building was not structurally damaged, but did require some remediation and extensive cleanup following the fire.

Ministry staff were on the scene shortly after the fire, and Abbott visited the school in October. Since the fire, most students and school administration have been housed in 16 on-site portable classrooms.

Quotes:

George Abbott, Minister of Education -

"I visited Southern Okanagan Secondary school shortly after the fire and saw firsthand how students, staff and families were greatly impacted by the loss of their school. I also saw how the community came together following this tragic event to ensure the school continued to thrive and provide students with the education they deserved."

"I am pleased to announce this new funding to ensure construction of the new school will be completed. I know that the school district and Ministry staff are working hard to complete construction as quickly as possible.

"When complete, this brand-new high school will provide a vibrant educational and community facility that everyone can be proud of."

Marieze Tarr, chair, board of education of School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) -

"The School District 53 board of education is very grateful that we can now put this very difficult period behind us and move forward with the completion of our new Southern Okanagan Secondary school facility. We would like to thank the ministry for their continued support."

John Slater, MLA, Boundary-Similkameen -

"Oliver was devastated last year by the fire, and in the meantime, I know it hasn't been easy for the students, teachers and staff. This funding will get them back in proper classrooms as soon as possible."

Quick Facts:

• Southern Okanagan Secondary school is one of three secondary schools in the Okanagan Similkameen School District and the only one in the town of Oliver.
• The school covers a large catchment area and has a capacity of 550 students in grades 8 to 12.
• Southern Okanagan Secondary was built in 1948, with additions in 1966, 1977 and 1982.
• Since 2001, government has spent more than $2.1 billion to complete 93 new and replacement schools, 150 additions, 27 renovations and 22 site acquisitions.

Learn More:

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

Contact:

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