More than 25,000 B.C. students will soon be learning in safe schools, with seismic upgrades coming to Maple Lane and James McKinney elementary schools in Richmond.

These two new projects build on the momentum of a series of government school capital investments in the community, including Mitchell Elementary, where the groundbreaking on its seismic project has begun.                 

“Every parent in our province deserves to have the comfort of knowing their children are learning in schools that will protect them in an earthquake,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “Our work to accelerate investments in seismic upgrades and replacements means that 43 schools will be a safer place to learn for 25,000 students – and there are many more to come.”

The Government of B.C. is providing a combined $19.3 million for seismic upgrades at Maple Lane and James McKinney elementary schools, which are expected to be complete by spring 2022.

Between 2010 and 2017, one school was approved for seismic upgrades in Richmond. With these projects approved, nearly 3,700 student seats at eight schools have been approved for upgrades in Richmond since September 2017. More than 25,000 student seats have been approved provincewide, thanks to $954 million in provincial funding.

“We are pleased to be receiving funding from the Ministry of Education to seismically upgrade both Maple Lane and James McKinney elementary schools,” said Ken Hamaguchi, chair, Richmond School Board. “Today’s announcement brings the Richmond School District one step closer to the realization of our vision as the best place to learn and lead. Moving forward, the Richmond Board of Education will continue to work with the ministry to provide safe and inspiring learning environments for all of our students.”

Construction is expected to be underway to upgrade McKinney Elementary in fall 2020 and at Maple Lane Elementary by summer 2020.

To continue the Province’s momentum on school seismic safety, Budget 2020 includes a record $2.8 billion for school capital investments throughout B.C.