As B.C. students return to school after the Christmas holidays, a look back at school construction in 2015 shows how government is helping to create safe learning environments and support student achievement.

Last year, government invested over $300 million to build, maintain and improve K-12 schools throughout the province. Some of the year’s highlights include Phase 1 completion of the $57.8-million Kitsilano secondary school. Initially introduced by Premier Christy Clark in 2011, it is one of the biggest capital school seismic renovation projects in B.C.’s history.

The year also marked the completion of Victoria’s new $52.5-million Oak Bay secondary school, as well as the Sooke School District’s $53.9-million Belmont secondary and $41-million Royal Bay secondary.

Currently, 28 capital projects are in progress. These include three brand-new schools and seven replacement schools as well 18 school seismic upgrades. 

As a result of B.C.'s strong economic growth and fiscal discipline, government is able to support and fund projects that make a real difference in the lives of British Columbians.

Looking forward to the year ahead, a number of projects will get underway, including a $27-million seismic upgrade to Alpha Secondary school in Burnaby, the recently announced $20.5-million Smiling Creek elementary school in Coquitlam, and the new $24.8-million North West elementary in Fort St. John.

The $300 million includes the seismic mitigation, building envelope, carbon neutral, capital, annual facilities grant capital funding, new schools and additions as well as the school bus program.  These improvements are ensuring students have safe and well-functioning learning environments for years to come.

In addition to the $300 million, the Routine Capital Program was launched this past fall, and committed $35 million to 110 projects throughout the province. The idea is to extend the life of schools through:

• upgrading heating and ventilation systems;
• repairing or replacing roofs;
• upgrading windows, lighting and electrical systems;
• improving water quality; and
• improving fire protection systems.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“Parents expect us to keep investing in B.C. schools to make sure students have safe and modern places to learn and succeed. These 21st-century facilities are supporting students and teachers to succeed in today’s changing world.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, government has committed more than $4.2 billion on school capital and maintenance projects throughout B.C. To date, 120 new and replacement schools, 156 additions, 30 renovations and 29 site acquisitions have been completed.
• Budget 2015 provides $1.4 billion over three years to replace aging facilities, build more student spaces in growing communities and improve school seismic safety where needed.
• Since the seismic mitigation program began, 149 schools have been seismically improved, with 25 more under construction or proceeding to construction and 40 in development

Learn More:

For more information about the province’s seismic mitigation program, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/seismic-mitigation-program

New curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/

BC’s Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: http://ow.ly/UUlJ8