The Ministry of Education announced today that Oak Bay High School, originally built in 1929, will be replaced “by a state of the art new school with a Neighbourhood Learning Centre that will host an array of programs and services to serve local family and community needs.”
The replacement cost is estimated at about $50.1M and will be built to LEED Gold standard specs and will meet current seismic requirements and construction guidelines. The new building can accommodate up to 1,300 students, including funded international student spaces of 100. Reports for the 2010-11 school year peg current enrolment is at 1,061for grades 9-12.
Due to a $1M contribution from the District of Oak Bay, the existing gym built in 1957, will be saved and converted to a performing arts theatre to support students, drama curriculum and community use. The Greater Victoria School District will participate with the District of Oak Bay, through its Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission, in ongoing consultation with community partners to finalize what amenities will be included in the Neighbourhood Learning Centre.
I believe that this new high school project that includes a Neighbourhood Learning Centre represents a unique opportunity for students, the surrounding community and other stakeholders to come together under one roof to pursue learning, arts and other culture-enriching activities. This truly is an example of community vision and community-building for the future.