Plans are underway to fully replace the aging, seismically unsafe Cedar Hill Middle school in Saanich.
The province announced plans to move ahead with the construction of a $42.9 million school to replace the aging Cedar Hill Middle School.
The new low-carbon building will seat approximately 575 students and will include a new neighbourhood learning centre.
Potential uses of the new facility will include child care, cultural or other community programming, and it is scheduled to be complete by January 2025.
The province said the new seismic-friendly school will be designed and constructed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions well above a LEED Gold Equivalent design, with more efficient heat pumps, displacement ventilation in classrooms, and a variable volume shop-dust collector.
These temperature and air systems will use renewable BC Hydro energy to minimize the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels.
“Schools are so much more than buildings; they are vital community hubs for children and families. The new Cedar Hill Middle School will soon reflect the modern, dynamic community it serves,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education.
“And by lowering the carbon footprint of this school and raising community engagement, we are creating learning spaces that encourage academic development, as well as social and emotional well-being,” said Whiteside.
Constructed in 1931, the current Cedar Hill school offers English and French immersion programs. There were several additions to the original building over the years, most recently in 1975.
While the province will foot the majority of the costs to replace the school, the Greater Victoria School District will contribute $3.6 million to meet the total project cost.
The seismic replacement of Cedar Hill Middle school is part of the province’s work to improve schools in communities throughout BC. This includes more than $2.4 billion invested province-wide and $139 million in Greater Victoria since 2017.
