A project to expand the class space at a north Nanaimo high school has started.
The construction project will add four new classrooms to Dover Bay Secondary School, with the B.C. Ministry of Education contributing $2.6 million to the expansion and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools contributing $400,000, according to a press release from the ministry.
The renovation will take advantage of existing space and add new classrooms, a learning hub, fitness centre and gender-neutral washrooms, said the press release, and have “minimal impact on students and staff.”
The school district and board are grateful for the contribution from the government, said Charlene McKay, school board chairperson.
“Nanaimo has been identified as one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, and the board, now more than ever, will continue to advocate for more safe and inclusive learning spaces through its long-range facilities planning,” McKay said in the press release.
Along with the investment in Dover Bay, the provincial government has also directed $35 million for seismic upgrades at Cilaire and Pleasant Valley elementary schools and a 12-classroom expansion at École Hammond Bay Elementary, something the government said it is glad to do.
The new classrooms being added to Dover Bay Secondary will give students a better learning environment,” said Adam Walker, Parksville-Qualicum MLA, in the press release. “This project is a real win-win. There will be minimal disruption to learning, and this will set the school up to accommodate future growth.”
“Nanaimo is a great place to raise a family, and we are continuing to invest in schools to keep up with growth in the region,” said Jennifer Whiteside, B.C. minister of education, in the press release. “With the addition of four new classrooms at Dover Bay Secondary, 100 students will be able to move out of portables and into classrooms so they can be better connected to their school.”
The project is expected to be completed by this fall.
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