A $1.4-million project agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Saanich Board of Education will result in a seismic upgrade for Deep Cove Elementary school.

On behalf of Education Minister Don McRae, local MLA Murray Coell joined Saanich Board of Education chair Wayne Hunter, students, teachers and staff for the announcement in the school's library today.

Now that the project agreement has been signed, next steps include seeking contract bids for the construction stage this summer with construction to begin later this year. Substantial completion of the seismic upgrade is expected by April 2014.

Located in a historic area of North Saanich, Deep Cove Elementary was built in 1956 with a number of additions completed between 1965 and 1991. The school has capacity for 365 Kindergarten to Grade 5 students and is one of four schools in the Saanich school district offering French Immersion programs.

The upgrade to the school is part of the province's continuing commitment to student safety through the Seismic Mitigation Program.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"This upgrade to Deep Cove Elementary is part of the most comprehensive school seismic upgrading program ever undertaken in British Columbia. At this school, and others throughout the province, we are committed to ensuring students have safe, secure buildings in which to learn because nothing is more important than student safety."

Murray Coell, MLA Saanich North and the Islands -

"Deep Cove is a thriving and beautiful part of North Saanich and this school serves hundreds of local families. The seismic upgrade for Deep Cove Elementary will ensure the school provides an especially safe and secure learning environment for teachers, staff and students for many years to come."

Wayne Hunter, chair, Saanich board of education -

"Making sure our students, teachers and administrators are safe is a priority for the Saanich school district. We're very appreciative of the upgrades coming to Deep Cove Elementary. We look forward to continuing to work with the ministry as the project progresses."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $55.6 million in capital projects in the Saanich school district, including Kelset Elementary, the replacement Royal Oak Middle school, and an addition to Prospect Lake Elementary.

• As well, the Province has invested more than $2.1 million for additional space for full-day kindergarten.

• The School Seismic Mitigation Program is backed by leading B.C. engineers and geoscientists who designed new guidelines for seismic safety in schools based on the latest research from major earthquakes around the world.

Learn More:

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

Deep Cove Elementary: http://deepcove.sd63.bc.ca/

Media Contact:

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