Portables currently serving as makeshift classrooms will be replaced by connected rooms to the school's main block, along with washrooms and a fitness centre. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

GETTING READY

Crews arrive for classroom upgrades at Dover Bay Secondary

Mar 29, 2022 | 9:59 AM

NANAIMO — Equipment is on site for an expansion of a major local high school.

Work is imminent at Dover Bay Secondary School on four new classrooms for 100 students currently in portables. The $3 million project is primarily financed by the province, with SD68 chipping in the final $400,000.

In addition to the learning spaces, a fitness centre and gender neutral washrooms are included in the upgrades.

“Nanaimo has been identified as one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, and the board, now more than ever, will continue to advocate for more safe and inclusive learning spaces through its long-range facilities planning,” Charlene McKay, board chair for SD68, said in a release.

Construction crews will be working in low-traffic areas of the school so disruption on students is expected to be minimal.

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Work was originally set to begin in September 2021 and run through to March 2022 when the province announced the funding in June 2021. The latest construction timeline sees the new rooms in place for the next school year.

Moving more kids into classrooms at Nanaimo’s second largest school is the first in many required steps to solve an enrollment crunch projected over the next decade.

A February 2021 facilities plan from the District identified key shortfalls in available space when compared to projected student levels.

The Dover Bay catchment area, also including neighbouring elementary schools such as Frank J. Ney, McGirr, Pleasant Valley, Randerson Ridge and Seaview, were forecast to be over-enrolled by 84 per cent by 2030.

District wide, secondary schools will be over-enrolled by 35 per cent over the same time span based on current classroom limits.

SD68’s long range facilities plan shows a significant deficit in available space for students, if expected enrollment levels come to fruition. (SD68)

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