Four additional classrooms at Gibsons Elementary School and a new childcare facility were among the School District 46 (SD46) major capital projects discussed during the district’s May 28 operations committee meeting.
Kate Kerr, SD46 superintendent explained that the three items on the capital list request more than $1 million and clarified that approved recommendations from SD46 are sent to the Ministry of Education, which prioritizes and administers funding accordingly.
Gibsons expansion
The first item is an expansion of Gibsons Elementary School, adding four classrooms. Kerr reiterated that the school is already over capacity and continues to grow.
She also highlighted that removing the portables on the school’s field would be a welcome change.
“It improves the functionality of the school, as well as keeps everybody in one spot and integrates the learning environment,” Kerr said.
She added that this is the first of several developments the board will be seeing to accommodate future development in Gibsons.
Sechelt Alternative School seismic mitigation
Also discussed was a seismic retrofit for the Sechelt Alternative School building.
Prefacing that this is a “continued ask,” Kerr said that this is meant to significantly enhance the earthquake resilience of the building and support the safety and well-being of students.
Cedar Grove Elementary childcare facility
Kerr said SD46 knows establishing a childcare facility at Cedar Grove would address critical need within the community and provide essential services. She added that the proposed location would allow for “seamless” care before and after school.
If the childcare facility is built off of district property, they will need a twenty-year lease to meet ministry guidelines, Kerr said.
She added that it had not been decided if SD46 would operate the childcare facility yet.
The committee approved the list, which will be presented at a school board meeting.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
