School is out for the summer, but Oak Bay High school students, staff and parents returned in July for an important milestone – a groundbreaking for their replacement school. Representatives from the province, District of Oak Bay and the greater Victoria school district rolled up their sleeves to break ground on this project, which was followed by a musical performance by the jazz quartet students.
The estimated project cost is $52.5 million, including a $1.0 million contribution from the District of Oak Bay towards a performing arts facility for school and community use. The school district is also contributing $1.1 million from its local capital reserves for 100 spaces for international students. In total, the school will accommodate up to 1,300 students in grades 9 through 12.
Not only will this facility serve students, but it will serve Oak Bay residents as well through the on-site Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC). The NLC will provide day care for preschoolers and programs for teens, as well as other services for the community.
The greater Victoria board of education has signed a contract with Farmer Construction Ltd. to design and build the new Oak Bay High. It will be designed to meet the latest seismic construction and LEED Gold or equivalent environmental standards. Construction is expected to be completed by August 2015.
On behalf of Education Minister Peter Fassbender, Parliamentary Secretary Jane Thornthwaite attended this celebration and lent a hand for the groundbreaking of Oak Bay High.
