Staff at École Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary School breathed a sigh of relief last week after the province announced the school would receive funding for much-needed seismic upgrades.
At a press conference on March 9, the Ministry of Education announced it is giving the school district $6.1 million to fund repairs to Lord Tweedsmuir as part of the ministry’s seismic mitigation program.
“I’m so thrilled to be here today to share in the excitement to discover that Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary School will benefit from a major seismic upgrade. We’re all very grateful to know that safety is a priority, and we welcome the news,” Tweedsmuir vice-principal Debbie Ramen said at the event.
The school was built in 1936, with an additional classroom block added in 1943, and is the school district’s number 2 priority when it comes to seismic projects (Richard McBride is number 1).
The original portion of the school, including the gymnasium, has a H2 seismic rating and is at high risk of damage or structural failure if there was an earthquake. It would likely not be reparable after an incident, according to the province’s seismic mitigation program.
“While many of us appreciate the many aspects of our 81-year-old building, it’s also exciting to know that with the upgrade addressing structural risks in our gymnasium and classroom block there will come a very welcome facelift,” Ramen said.
Six portables will be brought in to accommodate students while the school is upgraded. Construction is expected to start this summer and repairs should be completed by fall 2020, according to the ministry.
Last year, the school district received nearly $1.3 million from the Ministry of Education to conduct mechanical upgrades and roof repairs/replacement at the school. The funding was allocated under the ministry’s school enhancement fund, with the district contributing $230,000 from its annual facilities grant.
