Work is close to completion on the new $58-million Alberni District Secondary school.

The new 12,150-square-metre school, with a capacity for 1,000 students, will be ready to open on the first day of the 2012-13 school year. The project includes a 1,585-square-metre Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC) to serve the local community.

Programming at the NLC will include:

• Community theatre and associated support space.
• First Nations gathering space.
• Youth health clinic with shared-use community space.

The new school, which replaces the existing Alberni District Secondary school, is being built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards. This will save the district significant operating costs, while providing a more comfortable and modern learning environment for students.

Over 370 jobs were created during construction. Work remaining includes installing artificial turf on the field, finishing work on the gym and completing the student atrium/commons area.

Construction Photos are available at: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjBg7CBw

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested more than $6 million in capital projects for the Alberni school district, including upgrades and renovations to A.W. Neill Middle school.
• 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.
• Since 2001, the B.C. 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