As the final months of another school year begin to wind down at Panorama Ridge Secondary, a busy construction period is just gearing up as ground is being broken on an $8.4-million addition to the school.

The addition will add 300 student spaces, increasing the school's capacity from 1,100 to 1,400 grades 8 to 12 students and easing enrolment pressures in B.C.'s largest and fastest-growing school district. It's also anticipated the new construction will allow the school's 12 portables to be removed from the grounds when the new addition is completed by the end of the year.

The addition is being built to the side of the school near 64th Ave. and will include classroom space, washrooms, covered outdoor areas and space for a Neighbourhood Learning Centre. Construction is expected to be finished by the end of this year.

The new student spaces are part of a $353-million school capital plan announced in October 2011 by Premier Christy Clark. Panorama Ridge is one of four school additions, one new middle school, two new secondary schools and six school site purchases committed across seven B.C. school districts.

Along with the investment at Panorama Ridge Secondary, government also recently announced support for a new grades 8 to 12 secondary school in Surrey's Clayton North area to go on a newly acquired site. Three sites in the district also have been acquired for future schools.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"Surrey is a large, vibrant, growing school district and this addition is going to add important learning spaces for students enrolled today and those following in the near future."

Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Panorama -

"Surrey has so much to offer young families that it's no surprise more and more parents are putting down roots in our neighbourhoods. This investment at Panorama Ridge will provide residents of all ages access to what will be very important community programming."

Shawn Wilson, Surrey board of education chair -

"This is a big step for this project and I know everyone associated with Panorama Ridge Secondary is thrilled to see construction begin. As our district continues to grow, the demand for new, modern classroom space will be at a premium and this addition is going to help meet that need in this community."

Quick Facts:

• The Surrey school district serves the cities of Surrey, White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island.

• Since 2001, the government of B.C. has invested more than $276 million for 49 capital and seismic projects and 12 site acquisitions in the Surrey school district. This project list includes 10 new schools, including Adams Road Elementary. In addition, the government has invested in the Surrey school district more than $25.8 million for additional space for full-day kindergarten.

• Since 2001, the government has spent more than $2.4 billion to complete capital projects including 96 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 25 site acquisitions throughout B.C.

• Since 2001, the government has committed more than $4 billion to school capital and maintenance projects throughout B.C.

Learn More:

Surrey school district: https://www.surreyschools.ca/Pages/default.aspx

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Contact:

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