B.C. promises to earthquake-proof schools, two in Vancouver up for replacement
VANCOUVER — Two schools in Vancouver are being replaced so they will meet modern seismic standards, part of what Premier John Horgan says is a new provincewide focus on making schools safe in the event of earthquakes.
Sir Matthew Begbie and Bayview elementary schools are slated to be replaced at a cost of $46.9 million with new buildings scheduled to open in about four years.
The government says both schools are at high risk of collapse in an earthquake.
Education Minister Rob Fleming said Wednesday the province began talking about making Sir Matthew Begbie earthquake-proof in 2005, but it is still among 181 schools across B.C. that remain at risk of damage or collapse in an earthquake.