Upgrades to Dover Bay Secondary are complete following a $3 million project funded mainly by the provincial government. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

open for learning

New classrooms at Dover Bay Secondary caps $3M upgrade to boost capacity

Jan 18, 2023 | 4:08 PM

NANAIMO — Upgrades to increase capacity and the number of classrooms at Dover Bay Secondary are complete.

Students returned from the winter break to four new classrooms located in the main building at the school, the result of a $3 million project, with all but $400,000 in SD68 money coming from the provincial government.

SD68 confirmed to NanaimoNewsNOW the additions increase capacity at the school by 100 students, to a total of 1,325 and moves four portable classroom-worth of students inside.

“With the completion of the addition, Dover Bay Secondary is now better equipped to support our increased enrolment with more classrooms and additional flex space and provide improved inclusivity and accessibility through updated washroom facilities,” Greg Keller, SD68 board chair, said.

Originally announced in 2021, the new classrooms took over existing, underused space inside. A learning hub, fitness area and gender-neutral bathrooms were also included in the work.

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It was originally scheduled to be complete in March 2022.

The now-vacant portables however will remain on site as SD68 is expecting continued enrolment issues over the coming years.

A study of expected trends in student enrollment in February 2021 showed Dover Bay Secondary is due to be 84 per cent over capacity with an estimated 2,260 students by 2030.

The next major upgrade set to be checked off SD68’s list is expansion and new classroom construction at Ecole Hammond Bay Elementary.

SD68 confirmed construction continues to be delayed due to “supply chain and labour shortages” but the new space is set to welcome students next month.

Expanding Ecole Hammond Bay school features adding a dozen new classrooms.

A new building at Hammond Bay Elementary is nearing completion and will expand capacity at the school. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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