Seismic upgrades have been completed at James Whiteside and Williams Bridge elementary schools - in time for the new school year - at a cost of $33.28 million.
The provincial government provided more than $30 million of the funding with Richmond School District adding $2.1 million to the Whiteside project to help improve accessibility, the HVAC system and interior finishing and for energy enhancements.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and we are pleased to see the completion of seismic upgrades at James Whiteside and William Bridge elementary schools,” said Debbie Tablotney, chair of Richmond Board of Education.
“These improvements provide safe learning environments for our students and staff. We value the continued partnership with the Ministry of Education and Child Care as we work together to enhance the quality of education in Richmond.”
Currently, Howard DeBeck elementary is being seismically upgraded.
The provincial government also approved capital funding of $31.3 million for seismic upgrades at Alfred B. Dixon elementary, which is expected to be completed by May 2026.
So far, 14 Richmond schools have been seismically upgraded and 22 are on a list still waiting for approval and funding.
