Please note: further to this update, the Ministry of Education approved the proposed projects on December 17, 2008.

December 11, 2008

Overview
At their December 9 meeting, the North Vancouver Board of Education approved the capital project bylaws and Master Agreement for Ridgeway and Queen Mary heritage restoration projects and the construction of a Carson Graham Secondary replacement school. Based on these approvals, the agreement will be submitted to the Ministry of Education before the 2008 Christmas break for consideration and approval. While we await the Ministry’s decision on the project plans, we will move forward in the New Year with community consultation to address the temporary relocation process for students during the construction phases of each building.

The progess we have made in the planning of these projects exemplifies the North Vancouver School District’s vision  “to provide welcoming, safe and sustainable facilities that enhance the learning and teaching environment.” Replacing Carson Graham Secondary and rebuilding Ridgeway and Queen Mary in their heritage style create greater long-term value for all three buildings and all will meet current standards for seismic resistance.

Potential construction start dates
Two years is the standard timeline required to build a school.

Ridgeway – anticipated construction start: September 2009
Carson Graham – anticipated construction start: September 2010
Queen Mary – anticipated construction start: September 2011

Q&A

General

Why did the board approve these capital project agreements for Ridgeway, Queen Mary and Carson Graham at this time?
Carson Graham and Queen Mary schools were both identified as high priority for seismic upgrades several years ago. Ridgeway was approved in 2004 as a possible replacement project with similar seismic needs. The Ministry of Education is committed to improving its progress on facilitating and funding seismic upgrades for schools throughout the province.

Significant background research, feasibility studies and long-term planning has gone in to each project proposal. Preparing the Carson Graham plan required extensive meetings and consultation with the Ministry of Education to ensure understanding of the higher long-term value in replacing the school, rather than only performing a seismic upgrade. The heritage qualities of Ridgeway and Queen Mary created cost challenges for the Board. After extensive consultation with community representatives and the City of North Vancouver an innovative approach to source the additional funding required for Ridgeway to extend the project beyond seismic upgrades and secure the heritage values of the building was developed. The knowledge gained through this consultation and planning process has been applied to advance the Queen Mary project.

Carson Graham Secondary

Why is the capacity for Carson Graham proposed as 800?
The Ministry of Education determined, based on projected enrollment decline, that capacity to accommodate 800 students is appropriate for the new school. However, the core amenity space for Carson will be built to accommodate 1,100 students. In this way, the possibility of increased capacity is available if needed. Capacity will be revisited in the community consultation process, and the flexibility remains to consider a larger school.

Will Carson students need to be relocated during the construction phase?
Yes, beginning in September 2010 it’s anticipated that approximately 300 Carson Graham students will need to be temporarily relocated for the construction period. We have capacity to accommodate all students within the School District, the majority at Balmoral.  Ideally, we’ll move through the consultation process and be in a position to inform parents of relocation details well in advance of the September 2010- June 2011 school year.

Why can’t the new school be built on a different part of property to allow Carson student to remain in the “old school” during construction?
Carson Graham does not have the physical space to build the new school on a different portion of property. A process of selective destruction of the existing school will be undertaken, during which a portion of the student population will be relocated to Balmoral.

Ridgeway Elementary

Will students be relocated during the construction phase?
Yes. It will be necessary to relocate all Ridgeway students during the construction phase. Community consultation will continue to address the details of the relocation.

Where will students go?
The site of Cloverly Elementary (440 Hendry Avenue) is the preferred option for the temporary relocation of Ridgeway students. Cloverly is currently leased by a tenant until July 2009. The School District has advised the tenants that the lease location will not be renewed. The School District will also ensure that the tenants are well advised, through a public process, of the space available within the School District at other locations.

What will the School District do to minimize the impact of this temporary relocation?
Our first step is to consult with the community on how to mitigate any potential impacts. Suggestions that have already been brought forward including facilitating walking school buses and providing regular school bus service from Ridgeway to Cloverly.

What’s happening with Ridgeway Annex?
Ridgeway Annex will continue to operate through the reconstruction of Ridgeway Elementary and may provide an additional option for the relocation of some students.

 
Queen Mary Elementary

Will students be relocated during the construction phase?
Yes. It will be necessary to relocate all Queen Mary students during the construction phase. The target date to begin construction is September 2011, following completion of the Ridgeway School restoration. Cloverly School is proposed as temporary accommodation for Queen Mary students and community consultation on the relocation phase is expected to be initiated early in 2009.

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Media Contact
Victoria Miles
Communications Manager
North Vancouver School District
604.903.1254
vmiles@nvsd44.bc.ca