Parents are praising the Tri-Cities’ board of education for fast-tracking design of a new building for Irvine elementary school.
But they are calling for interim measures to protect students in case of an earthquake before it can be built.
Tuesday, School District 43 trustees unanimously approved hiring an architect to start on the design of a replacement for the Port Coquitlam school that has an H1 rating, the highest for vulnerability and risk for widespread damage in a quake.
And while parent Marc Simpson showed up at the board meeting to praise the decision that could cost the district up to $300,000, he also had some words of warning for trustees.
“It’s a ticking time bomb that won’t ride this [an earthquake] out very well,” Simpson said of the older structure.
Simpson, who has two children at Irvine and one at Minnekhada — another high-risk school that is being rebuilt — said a brand of desks is available that can withstand falling concrete and said parents want an early warning system as well.
“We need something in place to keep these kids safe,” he said.
Trustees didn’t make any promises at the meeting but they did approve funds to fast-track design of the new Irvine, which they will get back from the province once funding is officially approved. Ivano Cecchini, assistant secretary-treasurer of facilities and planning services, said early indications are that the district will receive an answer soon.
Superintendent Patricia Gartland, who at one time was vice-principal at Irvine, also said the school conducts emergency drills regularly.
“I believe this is a very important project for the safety of our students,” said Port Coquitlam Trustee Michael Thomas, noting that the district advanced funds to push a rebuild for Minnekhada middle school, which the province later approved.
Costs for a new Irvine elementary are expected to be $16.8 million.
Meanwhile, the parent group has a Facebook page (Seismic Safety for BC Schools).
