Building a new school! It was a time to celebrate at M.V. Beattie on Jan. 21 as MLA George Abbott
was on hand to bring official word that groundbreaking for the new school could move ahead. During an assembly at the school, where M.V. Beattie and A.L. Fortune’s choirs each performed, Minister Abbott announced the new $12.9 million M.V. Beattie Elementary will become home to a Neighbourhood Learning Centre offering services and programs to benefit students and the community. “M.V. Beattie has proudly served our community for nearly 100 years, and I am pleased that this tradition will continue for the next generation of students,” said
Abbott. “Once construction is complete, the new school will provide a safe, state-of-the-art learning environment and community hub.” M.V. Beattie Elementary was built in 1914, with the last of several additions completed in 1970. The new school will be constructed on the existing property with a capacity of 275 Kindergarten to Grade 7 students. It will also include 245 square metres of space for a Neighbourhood Learning Centre, the school’s existing StrongStart BC early learning centre, and two classrooms for full day kindergarten. Abbott noted the new M.V. Beattie will be constructed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold or equivalent standards. Where possible, wood products will be used in the school’s
construction. It is expected over 80 jobs will be created during its construction.
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