| January 21, 2010 SEISMICALLY UPGRADED NORTH VAN SCHOOL OFFICIALLY OPENS NORTH VANCOUVER - North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite was joined by students, staff and district officials at an open house today to mark the official completion of seismic upgrades and building improvements at Carisbrooke Elementary. "The upgrades at Carisbrooke Elementary mean the students will be learning and achieving in a modern, safer environment," said Thornthwaite. "This school has been a part of this community for more than 50 years, and this investment revitalizes the school for future generations of learners." The Province invested $7 million in seismic upgrades to the school. Upgrades included strengthening roof decks and upper floors, the creation of new shear walls, reinforcing existing walls, and improving connections between the roof, walls and foundations. Roofing and exterior window wall systems were also replaced during the construction period. "We're following through on our $1.5-billion, 15-year commitment to school seismic upgrades - the largest investment in student safety ever made by a government in this province," said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "The upgrades at Carisbrooke will ensure that staff and students continue to have a safe learning environment for years to come." Currently, 118 seismic upgrade projects across British Columbia have been completed, are under construction or are proceeding to construction. "The completion of these renovations and seismic upgrades is welcome news to students, parents and the community," said North Vancouver board chair Susan Skinner. "The work completed here represents a significant investment in the health and safety of Carisbrooke students and reflects a strong commitment to education in North Vancouver." Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $87 million to complete 16 capital and seismic projects in the North Vancouver school district, including $13 million to replace Highlands Elementary. During that same time, the Province has spent more than $1.5 billion to complete 75 new and replacement schools, 147 additions, 26 renovation projects and 20 site acquisitions. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards. In addition, government has provided a total of $25 million over the past five years to school districts in seismic zones to complete "non-structural" seismic work. This includes such work as attaching cabinets to walls, covering windows with protective film, and securing lights. By the end of 2009-10, the Province will have committed more than $3.8 billion in school capital and maintenance projects. As outlined by Premier Gordon Campbell, all new school construction projects will include wood whenever possible. -30- | |
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