Another West Shore school will receive seismic upgrades valued at more than $10 million to protect students and staff in the event of an earthquake.  

The Ministry of Education and the Sooke school district (SD 62) have signed a project agreement to bring Dunsmuir Middle school up to the latest seismic safety standards. 

The work will involve reinforcing masonry walls, constructing new concrete shear walls and foundations, as well as upgrading roof components. These upgrades will add to previous projects to strengthen the gym and shop areas. Also, site access to connect with Benhomer Drive will be widened and extended, and the sprinkler system will be improved.

Disruption will be minimized. Phasing of the work will rotate classes through temporary accommodations and allow completion while the students remain in school. The project will be funded with $9.4 million from the Seismic Mitigation Program and $800,000 from SD 62. Construction is scheduled to be completed by December 2016. 

In September 2014, Dunsmuir Middle school reported an enrolment of 627 grades 7 to 9 students. The school district is reconfiguring the school to a junior middle in 2015-16 and expects enrolment of 720 grades 6 to 8 students.

B.C. is a world leader with its approach to seismic mitigation. Since 2001, over $251 million has been invested in 35 capital projects in Victoria-area school districts (Saanich, Sooke and Greater Victoria). Another $144 million has been invested for the construction of three new high schools, all scheduled to open this September.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“Safety is a priority and we are moving forward with the vital work of upgrading B.C. schools to the highest standards, so students learn in safe and comfortable surroundings.”  

Wendy Hobbs, board chair, Sooke school district -

“As a growing school district, we are thrilled to receive this funding so that we can continue to provide our students and staff with a safe and inspiring space to learn and teach in. These upgrades will not only be celebrated by our students, but by the entire school community as well.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, government have spent or committed $2.2 billion to seismically upgrade or replace 213 high-risk schools.
• As of May 2015, 145 schools in B.C. have been upgraded and replaced, 11 schools are currently under construction and nine schools are moving toward construction.
• Since 2010, SD 62 has completed two other seismic projects at Spencer Middle and Sangster Elementary schools.  
• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $52 million in the Sooke school district to complete six capital projects. Government has also committed more than $94 million for two new secondary schools in the district.

Learn More:

BC’s Education Plan: WWW.BCEDPLAN.CA

Media Contacts:

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