The new $19.7-million Crosstown Elementary school officially opened today, creating more classroom space for the rapidly growing city centre and providing students with a unique urban learning environment. 

MLA for Vancouver-False Creek Sam Sullivan made the announcement at the school and toured the new facility on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, alongside Vancouver School Board official trustee Dianne Turner, students, parents and staff.

(flickr.com)

The school features modern, collaborative and open learning spaces to support B.C.’s new curriculum. The urban design includes outdoor learning spaces on the third and fourth floor with views of Harbour Centre.

(flickr.com)

(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.

Quotes:

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –

“Today is a very important milestone for students, families and the community. The new Crosstown Elementary will meet the needs of one of the city’s fastest growing neighbourhoods by providing a modern and inspiring learning facility that will serve the community for generations to come.”

Dianne Turner, official trustee, Vancouver School Board –

“It’s exciting to see Crosstown Elementary now open with the first group of students starting in this brand new school this week. The downtown core has a growing population of families and this state-of-the-art school will provide much needed spaces for this community. Built above a parking structure and next to a residential and commercial development, this new school design is a wonderful example of Vancouver’s innovation in incorporating schools into an urban setting.”

Quick Facts:

• Crosstown Elementary’s catchment area includes Gastown, Chinatown, Yaletown, Downtown and Northeast False Creek.
• Government has spent over $270 million and is committed to spend another $530 million for a total investment of over $800 million to ensure schools in Vancouver are seismically safe for students.
• Eight seismic projects are currently underway in the Vancouver School District, worth over $200 million:
  • Kitsilano Secondary – $57.8-million seismic upgrade and replacement
  • Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary – $25.9-million seismic replacement
  • Lord Strathcona Elementary – $25.6-million seismic upgrade
  • Lord Tennyson Elementary – $24.5-million replacement
  • Lord Nelson Elementary – $24.8-million seismic replacement
  • Dr. Annie B. Jamieson Elementary – $13.1-million seismic upgrade
  • Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith Elementary – $11.6-million seismic upgrade
  • Maple Grove Elementary - $24.4-million seismic replacement
• Two seismic projects have been recently completed in Vancouver:
  • L’Ecole Bilingue Elementary – $15.2 million seismic replacement
  • Queen Mary Elementary – $20.3 million seismic upgrade and partial replacement
• Over the next three years, B.C. will invest $2 billion to replace and renovate aging school buildings and add more student spaces in growing communities.

Learn More:

For registration information: https://www.vsb.bc.ca/crosstown

Seismic Mitigation Program: http://ow.ly/CKyx30anmv0

School Capital Planning: http://ow.ly/slzM309kJwS