April 8, 2010
STUDENTS CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF SEISMIC UPGRADES

VICTORIA - Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong was joined by students, staff and district officials at a ceremony today to mark the completion of seismic upgrades at Margaret Jenkins Elementary.

"It is heartwarming to see this community asset and historic landmark seismically reinforced and made safer for current and future generations of students," said Chong. "The original portion of this building was built nearly a century ago and these upgrades will help ensure many more years of service to our community."

Upgrades to Margaret Jenkins Elementary include new concrete shear walls in the 1956 addition, strengthened attic and parapet walls and reinforcements to the original 1914 section, in addition to a new steel structure and a new seismic joint between the classroom addition and the original school building.

"Through projects like this we continue to invest in the health and safety of staff and students in B.C. schools," said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "The newly upgraded Margaret Jenkins Elementary will ensure that students and staff continue to have a safe learning environment."

The Province invested $8.5 million to upgrade Margaret Jenkins Elementary as part of the Province's 15-year, $1.5-billion seismic mitigation program. Under this program, 119 seismic upgrade projects across British Columbia have been completed, are under construction or are proceeding to construction.

"These renovations give peace of mind to parents, students and staff," said Greater Victoria board chair Tom Ferris. "We appreciate this investment in the continued safety of our district's school buildings."

Since 2001, The Province has invested more than $68 million to complete 17 capital and seismic projects in the Greater Victoria school district. During that same time, 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.

During 2009-10, the Province committed more than $3.8 billion in school capital and maintenance projects.

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