On this year's Shake Out BC, students, staff, community members, Trustees and the Minister of Education gathered at Kitsilano Secondary School to celebrate the completion of a brand new school wing. 

The new wing marks the completion of the first stage of construction towards the seismic upgrading of the iconic Vancouver school.

"The Kitsilano community of students, teachers and parents are thrilled to be in a brand new wing. 21st century learning requires 21st century facilities and it is exciting to see all the technology available to Kits students," says Jim Burnham, Principal of Kitsilano Secondary School.

Overall, the Kitsilano restoration represents a provincial government investment of $57.8 million - making it one of the biggest capital school renovation projects in the history of B.C. 

Adds Burnham, "A special thanks to the Ministry of Education for providing the funding. Upon completion of the Kitsilano seismic renewal plan, the school will have a new 350 seat auditorium and a triplex gymnasium."

The new three-storey wing is built to meet the latest seismic safety standards. Students will be able to explore their passions through personalized learning with:

• new common meeting areas
• food and textile classrooms
• science and technology resources, and
• media labs

Construction is being completed in phases to minimize disruption to students and staff. This project will respect the heritage significance of the 103-year-old school with plans to preserve the historic façade while restoring the structure to meet current safety standards and values.

"We're pleased to be celebrating the completion of the first phase of the Kitsilano seismic renewal plan. Seismic upgrading supports the school board's goal of safer schools for students and staff. This project also brings together a new facility for modern learning while preserving heritage considerations," says Fraser Ballantyne, Vancouver Board chairperson.

When complete, Kitsilano students in Grades 8-12 will benefit from brand new cutting edge buildings, an enhanced and seismically upgraded heritage structure, and a neighbourhood learning centre that includes:

• three gymnasiums
• 350-seat theatre, and
• meeting rooms.

Kitsilano Secondary School is being upgraded and built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards. Schools built to LEED Gold standards produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to old schools and can result in operational savings of up to 60 per cent through enhanced water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environment quality.

To learn more about the Kitsilano Secondary project go to: https://www.vsb.bc.ca/district-facilities/projects/kitsilano-secondary-school-seismic-renewal-plan