A much-needed new roof at Bayside Middle school will soon be a reality thanks to $6.1 million in provincial funding.

The Saanich School District is contributing $1 million to the $7.1 million project.

The new roofing project will include new skylights and windows, new insulation and roof drains, as well as the removal of and replacement of mechanical and electrical systems affected by the work.

The project is proposed to be completed in two phases:

• Phase 1 will replace the roof over the gymnasium, centre core and north pod area. That work will begin this summer and finish up this winter, 2016, depending on weather.
• Phase 2 will replace the roof over the east, south, and west pods and main entry area. This work is anticipated to begin in spring of 2017 and finish by summer, also depending on weather. Bayside Middle school was constructed in 1992 and can accommodate 650 students in Grades 6-8.

As a result of B.C.'s fiscal discipline and its balanced budget, government is able to support key investments like the replacement roof at Bayside.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“I committed to parents, students, and the school district that we’d get a new roof on Bayside – and today government is delivering on that commitment. The scope and cost of this project is larger than we first thought because damage was greater than anyone expected. We’re fixing those problems today so Bayside lasts for years to come.”

Saanich School Board chair Victoria Martin –

“On behalf of our Bayside Middle school community, who have worked so long and hard in support of the roof replacement, I want to say that this is indeed good news, and offer the appreciation of the whole community, and the Saanich Board of Education to the ministry for this most welcome decision. The ministry's leadership on this file has been very responsive and gives us hope for other education funding issues.”

Quick Facts:

• Budget 2016 provides $1.7 billion in capital funding over three years to replace aging facilities build more student spaces in growing communities and improve seismic safety.
• Government is investing a record $5.1 billion in public education this year.

(flickr.com)

Learn More:

B.C.’s New Curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/

For information about the Saanich School District visit: https://www.sd63.bc.ca/