A new $22.5-million project agreement was announced today for the replacement of École Banting Middle School in Coquitlam under the Seismic Mitigation Program. École Banting is a dual track school with both French Immersion and English programs.

Replacement of the school, originally opened in 1963, was approved as being more cost effective than seismically upgrading and retrofitting the older building. Currently the school has enrolment of 509 Grade 6-8 students with the new school to have capacity for 550 students, for future growth.

The new school will have 19 general instruction classrooms plus an additional three specialized classrooms for Music, Healthy Living, and a Technical Education shop. As well, the school will feature a 600 square metre gym, combined library and computer space, a multi-purpose room, and special education spaces.

École Banting Middle School offers Skills Exploration, where students learn trades and technology skills and earn credit towards graduation, a band and choir program and a variety of athletic activities. In 2012, the École Banting Middle School girls’ choir won a gold medal at the Kiwanis International Music Festival, B.C.’s premier music competition.

The new school will also include a Neighbourhood Learning Centre. Community consultation will take place this winter to determine potential uses for this space. The replacement school is being built on the existing site and students will continue to occupy the old school until the replacement school is completed in September, 2017.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“We are committed to the safety of students throughout the province, and this replacement of École Banting Middle School is a vital part of the ministry’s award-winning Seismic Mitigation Program.”

Linda Reimer, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam -

“École Banting Middle School has served this community well for generations and this replacement school will continue that tradition by providing students a safe, efficient and comfortable new home for years to come.”

Melissa Hyndes, Coquitlam school district board chair -

“The Board of Education of School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) is pleased to announce that the provincial government and the Ministry of Education have approved the seismic replacement project at École Banting Middle School. This new school building, with the addition of the Neighbourhood Learning Centre, will be a civic hub and will provide huge benefit to a deserving community.”

Quick Facts:

• Since the announcement of the Provincial Seismic Mitigation Program in early 2012, 59 new seismic projects have been announced for capital funding support.
• Since 2001, 26 capital and seismic projects worth more than $119 million have been completed in the Coquitlam school district. In addition, the Province invested more than $9.1 million for additional space for Full Day Kindergarten.
• Since 2001, the Province has committed a total of more than $4 billion in school capital and maintenance projects.

Learn More:

École Banting Middle School: http://www.sd43.bc.ca/middle/banting/Pages/default.aspx

BC’s Education Plan: WWW.BCEDPLAN.CA

Media Contacts:

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