May 10, 2010
NORTH SAANICH PLANS FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE

NORTH SAANICH - A Neighbourhood Learning Centre with space for recreation, culture and the arts is now part of expanded construction plans for the new $23-million North Saanich Middle School, announced Murray Coell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.

"By working in partnership with community groups like the Peninsula Recreation Commission, the Province and Saanich school district we are making sure this new school will benefit the entire community," said Coell. "And by including space for a Neighbourhood Learning Centre, this school will encourage stronger connections between students and their community."

The Province announced the construction of the new North Saanich Middle school in April 2009. The construction of the new school was an opportunity to create a space the whole community can use. Building on a successful partnership with the Peninsula Recreation Commission, the North Saanich Neighbourhood Learning Centre will include an enlarged gymnasium and fitness area, as well as space for meetings, fine arts and wood working.

"Government's vision is to bring valuable community and educational services together under one roof," said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "By supporting Neighbourhood Learning Centres, we are helping communities make better use of our valuable school facilities, which are often underutilized outside of school hours."

The school district plans to begin construction in the summer of 2010, with the new school and Neighbourhood Learning Centre expected to be ready for occupancy in the spring of 2012. Under the Neighbourhood Learning Centre model, schools and community organizations are brought together so people can access educational and community services under one roof.

Possible uses include early learning or child-care programs, space for non-profit organizations, health clinics, sports programs, family resource or seniors' centres, industry training, or branch libraries.

"The Saanich School District has a long history of working with community partners to explore and develop innovative uses of our public schools," said Helen Parker, chair of the Saanich Board of Education for School District 63. "Students, educators, parents and community members have all contributed to the design of the new middle school to ensure that the Neighbourhood Learning Centre supports their needs."

The new North Saanich Middle School will be a two-storey building, with a capacity for 400 students in grades 6 to 8. It will be built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Gold standards, and will maximize the use of B.C. wood products in the construction. Site preparation is already underway for the new facility, which will be built across from the existing school on the sports field on John Rd.

Since 2001, 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. This includes $55.6 million in the Saanich school district on projects such as the new KELSET Elementary, the replacement Royal Oak Middle school, and an addition to Prospect Lake Elementary.

All new and replacement schools are constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.

-30-