A groundbreaking July 17 marked the “imminent” start of construction on the $10.7 million expansion of West Sechelt Elementary.
Principal Jeff Marshall, West Sechelt Elementary parent advisory council chair Aspen Wing and Pammila Ruth, chair of the School District No. 46 (SD46) school board attended the small, physically-distanced gathering.
“We’re excited to be getting on with this,” said SD46 superintendent Patrick Bocking.
Six classrooms, with 145 seats, as well as a 28-space childcare facility at an on-site neighbourhood learning centre will be added to West Sechelt Elementary, eliminating the need for portables.
"No matter where they live, B.C. students deserve to learn in positive, engaging classrooms," said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education, “I'm excited to see that happening at West Sechelt Elementary, so students can soon say goodbye to portables."
Overcrowding at the school has been an issue at the school since at least 2014, when the district requested capital funds to add up to six classrooms. At least five portables have been added to deal with capacity issues.
It’s the first major school construction project on the Sunshine Coast since 2014, according to a release announcing plans to begin construction. The work is expected to be completed by 2021.
On top of the $10.7 million provided by the province, School District No.46 (SD46) is adding $500,000.
"We are so grateful for the Ministry of Education's ongoing support and commitment of excellence to our students, staff and community," said chair Ruth, in the release. "As we celebrate the start of construction of the West Sechelt Elementary expansion, I am moved by the lasting impact this will have in serving the needs of many families in our community."
Wing described the expansion as a “welcome change” to the school and community.
The investment is part of government's plan to build new and expanded schools in fast-growing communities throughout B.C., according to the release. Since September 2017, the Province has announced over $735 million to add nearly 13,000 new student seats.
"Our government is making this investment to make sure more children in this community can learn in positive learning environments for years to come, and it's good to see that work getting underway," said Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell-River Sunshine Coast.
