Lord Kitchener Elementary School PAC

Seismic Upgrade PAC Update

Seismic upgrade schematic design work continues and is now estimated to be completed by the end of May-10. This is a couple of months late compared to the date published in the latest VSB project schedule – see page-3 of http://www.vsb.bc.ca/sites/default/files/shared/Kitchener%20booklet%20revised_Feb2010%20reduced%202.pdf. VSB is employing a number of strategies to try to still meet their September 2012 planned occupancy date but ongoing vigilance is required.

21st century school structural components are being incorporated in the new school design as part of the seismic upgrade. In partnership with Kitchener’s prime architects IBI/HB – www.ibi-hb.com, design advisory services are being provided by a world-leading educational facilities architectural firm, Fielding Nair International (FNI) – www.fieldingnair.com. The new school design is taking into consideration many different learning modalities beyond the traditional teacher lectures in classrooms, with increasing self direction by students as they mature. For more information see http://www.vsb.bc.ca/sites/default/files/shared/VSB%20Boards%2021st%20C%20%28Nov%2009%29.pdf.

Positive support was expressed by virtually all of the 35+ parents and teaching staff that attended the Kitchener School Seismic Upgrade & 21st Century School Facilities Parent Information Session conducted by VSB on April 15th. Important parent feedback messages to VSB were: (1) achieve the September 2012 occupancy schedule (safety as soon as possible), (2) get frequent teacher and parent feedback as the design is being developed, and (3) seek Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) assistance to expedite the project (based on past successes).

Background & Information

In 2004 the BC Provincial Ministry of Education determined that Lord Kitchener School occupants are at high risk in the event of an earthquake. Independent engineers also determined that saving the unreinforced masonry building (brick structure) would be more costly and result in a less safe structure compared to a new replacement building. Subsequently VSB proposed retaining and upgrading the Heritage “A” Frame Building and replacing the masonry building with a design that highlights the original heritage building structure. More information is available at http://www.vsb.bc.ca/district-facilities/projects/lord-kitchener-elementary.

After protracted but ultimately successful lobbying, in March 2009 the BC Provincial Ministry of Education committed the required capital funding for the Kitchener School seismic upgrade as proposed by VSB. The new school will accommodate 450 elementary students, 60 full-time kindergarten students, 60 early learning/pre-K children, and 40 children in before/after school care. The design will also enable improved and secure community use outside school hours and after a disaster, should one ever occur. The new seismically safe school is scheduled to open in September 2012.

For more information please contact PAC Seismic Ctee Co-chairs Doug Campbell at Doug.Campbell@Dolby.com or Kosta ChatziSpiros at KChatz@shaw.ca.