A partial replacement and seismic upgrade to Georges P. Vanier Secondary will ensure students, teachers and staff will have safer learning and teaching environments for years to come.

Comox Valley MLA Don McRae delivered the signed project agreement for a total of $33.8 million to Comox Valley school district (SD 71) board chair Tom Weber.

Construction is scheduled to begin after the contract is awarded in spring 2016, while the project is scheduled to be completed by August 2019. Phase one of the project will build a new section and transfer students to that area after work begins on the remaining phases in other areas. The areas under construction will be closed off from students and only re-opened when they are ready for student use.

The partial replacement of the school will be 31,000 square feet (2,880 m2) in size, and will have a functional design with six new science classrooms and eight regular classrooms for humanities studies. The project will also improve the 47-year-old school’s ventilation and heating systems. The board is contributing $1 million towards the total project cost to upgrade mechanical and electrical systems.

Students will continue to study in areas of the school which are not under construction, and portables will not be used during construction.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“As one of the largest secondary schools in the northern part of Vancouver Island, GP Vanier serves Courtenay and several small communities. This investment will make the school safer and modern under the re-design, provide upgrades and create 14 classrooms.”

Don McRae, Comox Valley MLA -

“At $33.8 million, the seismic upgrades and improvements to GP Vanier Secondary represent the largest seismic and capital school project in the district since 2001. As a former student and teacher at the school, I’m excited for this project to begin since it represents a new, exciting chapter in GP Vanier’s rich history.”

Tom Weber, Comox Valley Board of Education chair -

“These improvements to GP Vanier Secondary signify a long-term commitment to student safety and families. Students and staff will welcome updates to their school, which has served many communities for nearly 50 years.”

Quick Facts:

• Named after one of Canada's most popular Governor-Generals, GP Vanier Secondary opened in 1968.
• The school’s current enrolment is at capacity with 1,224 students. It has a natural setting on 96 acres (390,000 m2) and conveniently located next to the Comox Valley Sports Centre, community track and playing fields. The grounds include three playing fields and access to a community all-weather field.
• The GP Vanier Secondary seismic and upgrade project was originally announced in May 2012.
• The project builds on government’s $15 million investments in the Comox Valley school district for capital projects since 2001. These include the seismic upgrade to Highland Secondary and a renovation and seismic upgrade to École Robb Road Elementary.

Learn More:

GP Vanier Secondary: http://www.gpvanier.ca/

Seismic Mitigation Program: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/resource-management/capital-planning/seismic-mitigation-program

Media Contacts:

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