MLA Ida Chong delivered good news to an excited gathering of students at Ecole Quadra Elementary today. Chong brought an $8.1-million dollar project agreement signed by Education Minister Don McRae, for signing by Greater Victoria school board chair Peg Orcherton. This agreement ensures a seismic upgrade will be completed in time for the school's 100th birthday next year.

This project is part of the Province's continuing commitment to student safety through the Seismic Mitigation Program. Ecole Quadra Elementary consists of four sections, all of which require seismic upgrading, except the 1974 gym addition which was upgraded in 2003.

The main building, consisting of eight classrooms and an auditorium, was completed in 1914. After a number of additions, the school has a current enrolment of 305 K-5 students but has capacity for 505.

As well as offering a broad curriculum in both English and French, students are offered specialized musical instruction for all grades and the school features a unique First Nations program for cultural awareness and academic assistance.

Work is slated to begin in July with students being bussed to the former Richmond Elementary for the 2013-14 school year and Quadra reopening in fall of 2014. Richmond was closed in 2004 due to declining enrolment and has been used in this way during three other seismic upgrades in the district, which shortened construction time, reduced costs and ensured staff and student safety.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"The upgrade to Ecole Quadra Elementary is part of our Seismic Mitigation Program and will ensure that this historic school will be ready to serve students and the community for generations to come."

Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA -

"It's wonderful that Ecole Quadra Elementary will be upgraded and refreshed in time for its 100th birthday next year. It has helped launch thousands of students on the path to success and I am confident that it will continue to serve its community well for years to come."

Peg Orcherton, Greater Victoria school district board chair -

"This much-loved school is a vital part of our district and we appreciate the support of the ministry in upgrading Ecole Quadra Elementary to create a modern, comfortable, environmentally-friendly school for students, in time for the school's 100th anniversary in 2014."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, 23 capital and seismic projects worth $107.8 million have been completed in the Greater Victoria school district.
• In addition, the Province invested $540,000 for additional space for Full Day Kindergarten for the district.
• Since 2001, the government has spent more than $2.4 billion to complete 96 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 25 site acquisitions across B.C.

Learn More:

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

Ecole Quadra Elementary: http://www.sd61.bc.ca/school/quadra/

Media Contact:

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