The construction contract for the long-awaited addition to Pacific Heights Elementary has been awarded to Olivit Construction Ltd. The project will add 12 new classrooms and 300 seats to the school.
The contract reflects increased funding provided by the Ministry of Education and Surrey School District in response to changing market conditions.
Construction on the $6.7 million addition will begin early in the new year with occupancy expected in spring 2020. Pacific Heights currently has nine portables on site and enrolment continues to grow.
The expansion project is a key component of the work and commitment of the Capital Project Office including district, ministry and City of Surrey representatives to reduce the number of portables in the district and provide adequate, safe and appropriate educational space for 21st century learning.
"The board is thrilled that as a result of an increased financial commitment by the Ministry of Education and our board, this project will now be moving forward on an expedited schedule," says Surrey Board of Education chairperson Laurie Larsen. "We expect this project will be just the first in a series of new school and expansion projects we will see move forward over the weeks and months ahead."
"This is another great step toward adding much-needed spaces for students in Surrey," said Minister of Education Rob Fleming. "I'm pleased we were able to work with the Surrey School District to quickly secure the extra funds needed for the expansion of Pacific Heights. Our government is committed to building and expanding schools in fast-growing cities like Surrey and I'm proud of the
$167 million we have invested in the city for more than 2,500 new student spaces in just over one year."
Information about the district's capital plans is available by clicking School Construction and Planning under "Quick Links" on the district website.
