B.C Government Commits $930 Million For Seismic Upgrades To Schools

VICTORIA – Students at Campus View Elementary in the Greater Victoria School District can better focus on their studies, knowing their school is seismically safe, thanks to recent upgrades.

“The safety of our students matters, and that’s why I’m thrilled the students at Campus View Elementary are now learning and playing in a seismically safer school,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “We have moved quickly as a government to prioritize safety investments in schools, giving families and communities greater piece of mind that children are protected in the event of an earthquake.”

Campus View’s 440 students were able to remain in their school throughout the $2.4-million seismic upgrades.

“Keeping our students and staff safe is always our first priority,” said Jordan Watters, chair, Greater Victoria School Board. “The Greater Victoria School District has a very ambitious seismic mitigation program, so we’re pleased to see the completion of another seismic upgrade in our school district. Preparing for potential earthquakes is a reality of living in the Cascadia subduction zone, and every step we take toward ensuring safety and preparedness for our learning community is one worth celebrating.” 

Seismic upgrades, with a combined value of $104.6 million, have been approved for five schools in Greater Victoria in the last two years. Students will be better protected in the event of an earthquake once work is complete.

Since September 2017, the Province has announced more than $1.8 billion in school capital funding. This funding includes nearly $930 million for seismic upgrades at 41 B.C. schools, creating nearly 25,000 safer student spaces.