School is out for the summer, but Oak Bay High school students, staff and parents returned today for an important milestone - a groundbreaking for their replacement school. Representatives from the Province, District of Oak Bay and the greater Victoria school district rolled up their sleeves to break ground on this project, which was followed by a musical performance by the jazz quartet students.

The estimated project cost is $52.5 million, including a $1.0 million contribution from the District of Oak Bay towards a performing arts facility for school and community use. The school district is also contributing $1.1 million from its local capital reserves for 100 spaces for international students. In total, the school will accommodate up to 1,300 students in grades 9 through 12.

Not only will this facility serve students, but it will serve Oak Bay residents as well through the on-site Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC). The NLC will provide day care for preschoolers and programs for teens, as well as other services for the community.

The greater Victoria board of education has signed a contract with Farmer Construction Ltd. to design and build the new Oak Bay High. It will be designed to meet the latest seismic construction and LEED Gold or equivalent environmental standards. Construction is expected to be completed by August 2015.

On behalf of Education Minister Peter Fassbender, Parliamentary Secretary Jane Thornthwaite attended this celebration and lent a hand for the groundbreaking of Oak Bay High.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

"Oak Bay High is a great example of our vision for B.C. schools, where the school is part of the community and the community is part of the school. It will be a place where students can gain the skills they need to succeed in the future and residents can access the performing arts theatre and a wide range of services at the Neighbourhood Learning Centre."

Peg Orcherton, greater Victoria board of education chair -

"Replacing Oak Bay High has been one of our priorities in the greater Victoria school district. We are making excellent progress now, and our students, staff, as well as local residents, are excited to see construction begin on this project."

"We will continue to work closely with our provincial, municipal and community partners to complete this school for students and residents in the future."

Quick Facts:

• Oak Bay High currently has an enrolment of 1,012 students in grades 9 - 12.

• The existing Oak Bay High is an amalgamation of the original Oak Bay Secondary school (built in 1929) and the Oak Bay Junior High (built in 1953).

• Since 2001, 23 capital and seismic projects worth $107.8 million have been completed in the greater Victoria school district, including the seismic upgrade of Margaret Jenkins Elementary and Fairey Tech at Victoria High school. In addition, government invested $540,000 for additional space for Full Day Kindergarten.

• Overall, since 2001, government has spent more than $2.5 billion to complete capital projects including 99 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 26 site acquisitions throughout BC. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.

• During this period, the Province has committed more than $4.1 billion on school capital and maintenance projects throughout British Columbia.

Learn More:

BC's Education Plan: WWW.BCEDPLAN.CA

Media Contact:

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