Government is taking action to improve student safety with an investment of $33.3 million to seismically replace Minnekhada Middle school.

The project includes replacing the existing building with a fully accessible and seismically upgraded state-of-the-art school. The interior will include lots of natural light, and large open and collaborative learning spaces to support B.C.’s new curriculum. Students will benefit from spaces for a variety of classes and activities like electronics, woodworking, culinary arts and textiles, as well as fine and performing arts and computer classes.

The two-storey school will be built on the same site as the old facility but in a different location.  The school will feature a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC) with a gym that includes a full-size basketball court, as well as a performing arts stage that connects to a multi-purpose room. 

(flickr.com)

The project will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards. Several green features will be used throughout the school including energy efficient lighting and mechanical systems, and water efficient plumbing and landscaping. Work is expected to begin in September 2017.

The Coquitlam School District has completed 18 seismic mitigation projects to date. There are three more seismic projects under construction and 10 projects remaining to be addressed in the district. The school district has a great track record of delivering seismic mitigation projects on time and on budget.

This project will also help ensure young people get a chance to learn the trades, as it will be built under B.C.’s Apprentices on Public Projects Policy.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“We are making record investments in new and improved schools across the province to support student learning. The new $33.3 million Minnekhada Middle school will give students, teachers and staff a state-of-the-art school to learn, teach and work in for generations to come.”

Linda Reimer, MLA for Port Moody – Coquitlam –  

“This $33.3 million investment supports student learning, community development and our economy by creating local jobs. This new school will provide a modern, safe and inspiring place to learn, teach and work for the Minnekhada community.”

Kerri Palmer Isaak, chair, Board of Education, School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) –

“The Board of Education of School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) is very pleased to receive this funding to replace Minnekhada Middle school. Providing exceptional facilities is important to us and we appreciate the support of this government in recognizing the need for replacing and upgrading older schools in our school district.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, 31 capital and seismic projects worth more than $172 million have been completed in the district.
• The new school will have the same capacity as the existing school - 600 grade 6-8 middle school students.
• Including Minnekhada Middle school, there are four full seismic replacement projects underway in the district, totalling almost $148 million:
  • Centennial Secondary - $61.1 million
  • Moody Middle - $28.7 million
  • Banting Middle - $24.7 million

Learn More:

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

Apprentices on Public Projects: http://ow.ly/UUlNg

Neighbourhood Learning Centres: http://ow.ly/UUlV0

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

School District No. 43 (Coquitlam): http://ow.ly/V2CFn