Students are back in class and safer today thanks to the recently completed seismic upgrades at Cloverdale Traditional Elementary school and the almost complete replacement of the leaky gym roof at Bayside Middle school.

Education Minister Mike Bernier toured the two schools today with school district officials, staff and students to get a first-hand look at the progress at Bayside and the upgrades at Cloverdale.

The first stop was at Bayside Middle school in Brentwood Bay. Phase one is just weeks away from being complete and will see the replacement of the roof covering the gym, centre core and north pod areas. Construction on phase two will start in spring 2017, after a pause for the rainy fall and winter months. Phase two will replace the roof over the east, south and west pods and main entry. The roof is expected to be completed by fall 2017.

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The $7 million roof replacement at Bayside includes installing new skylights, windows, insulation and roof drains, as well as replacing mechanical and electrical systems affected by the work.

The $3 million worth of seismic upgrades at Cloverdale included new concrete shear walls, reinforced structural walls, and roof materials, making the school safer for all.

Originally built in 1917 and rebuilt in 1963, the newly completed seismic upgrade project is bringing Cloverdale Traditional Elementary school into the 21st century and giving students and staff the efficient environment they need to teach, learn and succeed. 

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.

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Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“Schools are a home away from home for our kids – and that’s why the B.C. government is committed to making them as safe as possible. Bayside Middle school, the roof replacement project’s first phase is almost halfway done. I look forward to celebrating the completion of this important project in the months to come. Student wellbeing is also top of mind at Cloverdale Traditional school, which is now a welcoming, safe environment for staff and students alike.”  

Victoria Martin, Saanich School board chair –

“On behalf of the board and our Bayside Middle school community, I want to say how pleased we are that replacement of the roof is progressing and that we can look forward to a safe school for our students for many years to come.”

Edith Loring Kuhanga, Greater Victoria School board chair –

“We are very pleased to see the halls of Cloverdale Traditional school bustling with students and staff once again. We extend our appreciation to the Province of B.C. for funding the seismic upgrading of another school in our district, and we extend appreciation to our community partners, parents and neighbours for their support during this transition year.”

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Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $79.7M in capital projects in the Saanich School District, including Kelset Elementary, the replacement Royal Oak and North Saanich middle schools, and an addition to Prospect Lake Elementary. As well, the Province invested more than $2.1M for additional space for Full-Day Kindergarten.
• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $176.7M for 26 capital and seismic projects completed in the Greater Victoria School District, including the replacement of Oak Bay Secondary, seismic upgrade of Margaret Jenkins Elementary, Fairey Tech (at Victoria High school), Lansdowne Middle, George Jay Elementary, and Tillicum Elementary. In addition, government invested $540,000 for additional space for Full-Day Kindergarten.
• Over the next three years, $1.7 billion is being invested in B.C. schools to replace and renovate aging schools and add more student spaces in growing communities.

Learn More:

Learn more about the Province’s Seismic Mitigation Program: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/resource-management/capital-planning/seismic-mitigation-program