(Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

CAPITAL FUNDING NEEDS

City representatives bring Kamloops school district capacity concerns to UBCM

Sep 29, 2019 | 3:31 PM

KAMLOOPS — Representatives from Kamloops brought concerns around school space and capital funding needs directly to the provincial government at the Union of BC Municipalities convention last week.

UBCM’s annual convention wrapped up at the end last week, following a flurry of meetings, presentations, and discussions around provincial and municipal issues.

Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian says he and city councillors had an nearly unprecedented meeting with the Board of Education, and the deputy Minister of Education around a Parkcrest Elementary rebuild, and more school sites in the city.

“We were able to jointly express how much of a loss this was to Kamloops, and particularly the Brocklehurst community,” he explains, “And we expressed a joint desire that the rebuild of that site be done quickly.”

Earlier this month, Education Minister Rob Fleming said the rebuild of Parkcrest Elementary would be expedited, with funds coming from the Self-Insurance Program.

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Christian says Ministry staff have been to Kamloops to assess the site, and are working on having the demolition completed so the area is clear for construction.

“There was some discussion on whether there would be some value added components to that building. Things like community rooms, and expanded gymnasium facilities.”

Along with Parkcrest, Christian says council got a chance to express how badly more school space is needed within Kamloops.

A $34.5 million expansion to Valleyview Secondary was announced back in April, and is expected to be open by the end of 2022. However, Christian says more capital funding is needed for Kamloops schools.

“Particularly in the south west sector of the city. Our GIS department with the City of Kamloops worked with the school district to prepare catchment maps, and our real estate division is quite prepared to work with the school district in terms of land acquisition,” says Christian, “I think appearing jointly before the Ministry really gave a very solid message that Kamloops city council and the Board of Education are working together to make education a priority in this community.”