Abbotsford Traditional secondary school is getting a $19-million seismic upgrade.
The Ministry of Education announced the approved funding for the work on Aug. 12, and the work is expected to be completed by September 2022.
“Parents and families want to know their children are safe at school and these upgrades mark another important step as we continue to create seismically safe schools across the province,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. “Our government knows the value of safe learning spaces and a good education. Seismic upgrades like this are one of the many ways we’re helping children engage with the joy of learning.”
The project funded by the province and includes reinforcing the walls and roof structures, as well as other infrastructure improvements.
“We are pleased to see that the seismic upgrades are now well underway at Abbotsford Traditional Secondary,” said Stan Petersen, chair, Abbotsford Board of Education. “These essential upgrades ensure the students, staff and school community will continue to have a safe and trusted setting for learning and connecting for years to come.”
The provincial government says they are working to accelerate the Seismic Mitigation Program “to ensure every B.C. student can attend a seismically safe school as soon as possible.”
Since September 2017, the province has announced over $1.2 billion for seismic upgrades or replacements at 58 B.C. schools, giving more than 31,000 students a safer place to learn, with more to come. This includes $46 million to improve schools for students in Abbotsford.
READ MORE: Admin seeks ways to keep students at Abbotsford school during seismic work
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