Education Minister George Abbott joined officials from the Sunshine Coast school district to sign a $14.3-million project agreement for a new elementary school in Gibsons.

(Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/7110166617/in/set-7215762618854598)

Gibsons Elementary school is an aging facility that is in poor condition. The project was originally announced as a renovation and seismic upgrade, but a subsequent feasibility study determined the construction of a new, smaller, more energy-efficient school to be more cost-effective.

The new school will have 14 classrooms providing space for 300 students in grades 1 to 7 and 40 full-day kindergarten students. The school will also host a StrongStart Centre and a Neighbourhood Learning Centre to provide community members with year-round access to additional support services including an early childhood development centre, a health and wellness screening office, a community kitchen, and a multipurpose room.

Work on the school will begin this summer and the project is expected to be complete by September 2014 with students moving in for the beginning of the 2014 school year.

Construction of the school will be adjacent to the existing facility to avoid the need for temporary accommodation and measures will be taken to ensure students and staff are safe during the construction period. Demolition of the old building will be completed at the end of the project, and new playfields will be installed on that part of the site.

Quotes:

George Abbott, Minister of Education -

"The new Gibsons Elementary school will provide students and staff with a modern and safe learning environment and the new StrongStart Centre and Neighbourhood Learning Centre will become the centre of the community providing important services and programs to families, young learners and seniors."

Silas White, chair, Sunshine Coast board of education -

"We are thrilled with Minister Abbott's project announcement this morning for Gibsons Elementary school."

"This new facility will provide some of our district's youngest minds with a safe and modern area where they can thrive in both an academic and social environment."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the government of B.C. has invested $9.7 million in the Sunshine Coast school district and more than $372,000 for more space for full-day kindergarten.
• The current Gibsons Elementary school was built in 1950 using a combination of wood post-and-beam, frame, modular and unreinforced masonry construction. The building is both single-storey and two-storey to accommodate its sloping site.
• 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 and has committed more than $4 billion to school capital and maintenance projects.
• The government is currently working to upgrade, replace and build a total of 60 schools throughout B.C. over the next four years. The total cost of these projects is approximately $1.5 billion.

Learn More:

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

Contact:

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