| May 10, 2010 SURREY - Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid was joined by Surrey MLAs, district staff, teachers, parents and students to announce $1.3 million in seismic upgrades at Hall's Prairie Elementary. "Seismic upgrades ensure safer, more secure environments that will foster student learning," said MacDiarmid. "Through projects like these, we are continuing to invest in the safety of students and staff in B.C. schools." The oldest portion of Hall's Prairie Elementary dates back to 1930, and a school has stood on this location since 1885. Seismic work at Hall's Prairie totalling $1.3 million will include the creation of shear walls, reinforcing existing walls, upgrades to roof diaphragms, and improved connections between the roof, floor, walls and foundations. "These upgrades will strengthen a school whose tradition dates back 125 years," said Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon. "Safe school buildings are important to the ongoing success of our education system. In addition, the upgrades at Hall's Prairie will support jobs for British Columbians in the construction sector." Construction at Hall's Prairie Elementary will begin this spring and continue through the summer to minimize disruption to classroom activity. It is expected that work will be complete by the time school starts in September. "Today marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of Surrey's schools," said Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux. "Thirteen school seismic projects worth a total of $15.6 million have now been completed in Surrey and, including the work we are announcing at Hall's Prairie, five more projects are underway." Hall's Prairie Elementary is the latest Surrey school to be approved for seismic upgrades. Over the last four years, 13 school seismic projects have been completed:
"This government's 15-year, $1.5 billion school seismic mitigation program is the most comprehensive program of its kind ever attempted anywhere," said Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer. "Under this program, 80 seismic upgrade projects across British Columbia have been completed, 16 are under construction and 24 are now proceeding to construction." "These construction projects help give peace of mind to parents and students, staff and community members," said Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg. "Seismic safety is a vital investment in the future of our schools." "Our board appreciates the support of the Ministry of Education as trustees work to ensure all district students and staff have not only the resources they need, but appropriate and safe facilities in which to learn and work," said Surrey board of education chair Laurae McNally. "Our board also thanks the members of each school community for their patience and understanding while seismic work was underway in their school." Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $204 million to complete 42 capital and seismic projects in the Surrey school district. Over the same period, the Province has spent more than $1.7 billion to complete 80 new and replacement schools, 148 additions, 26 renovation projects and 22 site acquisitions across B.C. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards. In addition, the Province 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. -30- | |
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