New Westminster mayoral candidate deems NWSS a “disgrace”

The replacement of New Westminster Secondary School has surfaced as an issue in the civic election race.

The replacement school was the top Hot Button issue for education among readers who responded to a recent online survey conducted by The Record. It also surfaced as a concern at a recent mayoral forum, when a community member said the aging NWSS is an “embarrassment” and questioned what mayoral candidates would do to address the project.

“I think the high school is one of the most important issues facing our community,” said Coun. Jonathan Cote, who is running for mayor. “My oldest daughter is seven years old. When she was first born I joked that that high school better be done by the time she is in high school. Unfortunately, it’s becoming a little less funny.”

Cote pointed out that the high school isn’t a city-funded or city-designed project, but is a provincial and school board project.

“Having said that, if elected mayor I will do everything I am able to do to make sure that that project moves ahead, whether it’s ensuring the city is flexible with zoning or to move that through the development process as quickly as possible. The city has already exchanged land on the site to make it easier for the province and school board to move ahead with the project,” he said. “I think we need to make sure we continue to push and advocate for the high school because although our high school is filled with a lot of great teachers, the building is a disgrace.”

Incumbent Mayor Wayne Wright said the school is his top priority if he’s re-elected on Nov. 15. While the city doesn’t have authority over the school board, Wright thinks his connections in Victoria will be helpful.

“If I pick up the phone and call any minister I get an answer. The reason being I have been there so long they all get to know me, we’ve all worked together,” he said. “When you go to them, there is no confrontation there. It’s a discussion.”

If Wright has “so much power”, mayoral candidate James Crosty said he’s disappointed he hasn’t been able to get the school built until now.

Crosty is concerned the province has now requested more information about New Westminster Secondary School. (As previously reported in The Record, a detailed report is being done that will include the scope of the project, the estimated budget and potential issues associated with the replacement of the aging school.)

Crosty fears the report will indicate the existing school is at “moderate risk” in an earthquake and will be deemed safe, even though it has many deficiencies.

“My worst fear is that they are going to say it needs to be fixed up,” he said.

If he’s successful in being elected in his second run for mayor, Crosty said he’d be prepared to pressure the province, with the community’s help, to get a brand new school built.

Vladimir Krasnogor said the high school is “an embarrassment” and the replacement has gone on for far too long. He said the best thing to do to address the situation is to elect independent candidates.