Students at Cortes Elementary Junior Secondary school will soon have a seismically safe school, thanks to $2.3 million from the Province’s award-winning Seismic Mitigation Program.

Education Minister Mike Bernier made the announcement today at the Campbell River school district office, alongside board chair Susan Wilson and district staff.

(flickr.com)

The project will seismically upgrade the gym and classroom blocks of the school and complete all non-structural seismic mitigation throughout the entire facility. In addition, the school’s roof will be repaired through a $200,000 funding contribution from the Campbell River school district’s annual facility grant. Work on the seismic upgrades and roof repair is expected to begin in December and be complete by August 2017.

The updated school will be designed to meet today’s standards for safety and will provide students with a safe, secure and efficient learning space for many years to come.

Government is able to make investments like the Cortes Elementary Junior Secondary school seismic mitigation project, thanks to the Province’s fiscal discipline and strong economy.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“The Campbell River school district is a leader in B.C. when it comes to putting student safety first. By working together, we are able to move forward on the final seismic project in the district – a project that will protect and benefit students, teachers and staff on Cortes Island.”

Susan Wilson, board chair, Campbell River school district –

“School district 72 and the Cortes Island school community welcome the funding support for the seismic upgrade of Cortes Island school, a priority project on our district’s capital project plan. The seismic improvement of Cortes Island school will ensure that Cortes students are learning in a safe environment for many years to come.”

Quick Facts:

• Cortes Elementary Junior Middle school opened in 1978 and has an operating capacity for 19 kindergarten and 96 elementary and middle school students (grades 1-8).
• Since 2001, the Province has invested almost $30 million in the Campbell River school district for capital and seismic projects, and two School Enhancement Program projects at Pinecrest Elementary and one at Cedar Elementary.
• Over the next three years, B.C. will invest $1.7 billion to replace and renovate aging school buildings and add more student spaces in growing communities.
• Since 2001, government has spent $1.2 billion to complete 160 high-risk seismic projects.

Learn More:

Campbell River School District: http://www.sd72.bc.ca

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