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Seismic work continues on Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary

Construction on one of New Westminster’s oldest schools is continuing on time and on budget, according to the school district. Last March, the New Westminster school district received $6.
lord tweedsmuir
Construction continues at Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary school. The original parts of the building and the gymnasium are undergoing seismic work to make the school safer. It’s expected to wrap up by fall 2020.

Construction on one of New Westminster’s oldest schools is continuing on time and on budget, according to the school district.

Last March, the New Westminster school district received $6.1 million to conduct seismic upgrades on École Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary school. The original part of the 83-year-old building and the gymnasium had been deemed an H2 seismic risk, meaning there was a strong chance of widespread damage or structural failure in the event of an earthquake and would likely not be repairable.

The project went to tender last spring and by June, preparation had begun at the site.

Earlier this month, district staff provide an update on the status of project, which is expected to be complete by fall of 2020.

“It’s going well and on schedule,” secretary-treasurer Kim Morris told trustees at the Feb. 12 operations policy and planning committee meeting.

Unitech, the company doing the work, had recently demolished four classrooms and reopened four fully renovated and seismically safe classrooms that had been demolished before the winter break. Day-care space was completed before winter break and work on a new elevator is ongoing.