The Westshore community has much to celebrate with the recent completion of the $11.8-million Dunsmuir Middle school seismic mitigation project and $4.2 million in new provincial funding to seismically upgrade Ruth King Elementary school. 

Education Minister Mike Bernier announced the completion of Dunsmuir and new funding for Ruth King Elementary school at Dunsmuir Middle school today alongside Sooke School District officials, staff from both schools and Dunsmuir students. The celebration included a performance from the Dunsmuir band and a tour of the seismic upgrades.

(flickr.com)

The Dunsmuir project was funded with $11 million from the Province’s Seismic Mitigation Program and $800,000 from the Sooke School District (SD#62). Construction started in May of 2015 and was completed in late 2016. It is estimated that this project created 36 jobs.

(flickr.com)

The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province. In doing so, these construction projects are creating well-paying, family-supporting jobs. These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.

https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/posts/1672952839389668Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“Student safety is our top priority. The government is committed to seismically upgrading or replacing all high-risk schools throughout the province to protect and support students, teachers and staff so they have safe learning spaces for generations to come.” 

Bob Phillips, chair, Sooke Board of Education –

 “Ruth King Elementary school was originally built in 1948. Over the years, the school has had additions, renovations and a name change. Children really ‘rock’ for education at this school. SD62 is so pleased that Ruth King Elementary will be getting a good seismic re-fit in preparation to serve another generation of Westshore children."

Quick Facts:

• This announcement builds on the $100 million this government has invested in your community, including:
  • $60.1 million – 2015 Belmont Secondary school replacement
  • $41.2 million – 2015 New Royal Bay Secondary school
• 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.

Learn More:

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

Sooke School District: http://www.sd62.bc.ca/

Dunsmuir Middle school: http://dunsmuir.sd62.bc.ca/

Ruth King Elementary school: http://ruthking.sd62.bc.ca/

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