BC Premier John Horgan announced today that $47 million will be spent to replace two elementary schools that are in danger of major damage or collapsing during an earthquake.
A new Sir Matthew Begbie elementary at 1430 Lillooet Street will cost $22.4 million to build and a new Bayview Community elementary at 2251 Collingwood Street (between West 6th and West 7th) will cost $24.5 million.
Both new schools, which will be built to withstand an earthquake, are scheduled to open in September 2021.
Bayview Community School is a historically significant landmark in Kitsilano and last year topped Heritage Vancouver’s annual Top 10 endangered sites list.
Built in 1913 in the Classical Revival style, it is one of Vancouver’s most impressive Edwardian-era elementary schools.
The premier made the announcement the same morning a 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Tofino. There were no reports of injuries or damage.
The new Begbie school will be built on the school’s property but not require students to move out of the existing school during construction.
Bayview, however, will be demolished and students and staff will be moved to temporary accommodations during construction.
Photo: City of Vancouver Archives (1977)
Last modified: October 11, 2017
