UPDATE: AS OF 2:30 P.M. MONDAY, JAN. 21School District No. 46 said in an email to Coast Reporter that classes with resume Tuesday morning at Elphinstone Secondary School after a water main break, which closed the school Monday morning, has been repaired.
ORIGINAL STORY POSTED AT 10:30 A.M.Elphinstone Secondary School in GIbsons has been closed due to a water main break and students have been sent home until further notice.
Staff at the school saw water coming up through the sidewalk this morning (Jan. 21) at about 8:30 a.m.
Right beside the staff parking entrance the water was gushing up through the sidewalk, right where the telephone is. So the water wasn't entering the school, but we were informed that it would be a minimum of a two-hour water delay, school principal John Brisebois said, noting the lack of water would make bathrooms unavailable for use at the school.
The water flow was also heavy and was making its way across the street towards Gibsons Elementary School. The cold morning temperatures caused some of that water to freeze, creating an ice concern, Brisebois said.
Staff members were able to meet many parents and students at drop off time to let them know about the school closure, and buses were recalled to transport the rest of the students home.
Parents also received a phone call letting them know about the issue.
Repair crews are currently at the school and parents will receive another phone call once Elphi can be reopened.
Parents and students are also encouraged to check the school district website, www.sd46.bc.ca for updates, which will be posted as they become available.
