COMOX VALLEY, B.C. – Lake Trail Middle School is getting a complete rebuild, so it will have stronger bones to help it withstand a potential natural disaster.
According to a release, the Ministry of Education announced in May funding of up to $26.2 million toward a seismic upgrade and modernization of Lake Trail “as part of the government’s commitment to ensure students have safer learning environments.”
The replacement of Lake Trail Middle school involves a complete rebuild excluding the gymnasium and is expected to start in March 2019 with a completion date targeted for summer 2021.
With the start of the rebuild just a few months away, Comox Valley Schools invites the public to an information session to reveal the architectural designs for a new Lake Trail Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the school library.
The school district worked with Iredale Architects and a school design committee represented by the educational staff and the parent community to prepare final design concepts, that meet ministry standards for education and physical considerations of the school property.
The release states that the new school design is intended to support contemporary learning needs, based on research and recognized best practices to support 21st -century learning.
Design elements include flexible spaces, structures to support collaborative and individual learning, increased opportunities for movement, spaces designed to foster inspiration and creativity, and opportunities to integrate technology, natural light and bright colours.
The district will be seeking broader feedback during the information session to ensure that all considerations are captured in the final designs before the Board of Education moves forward with sourcing a contract to begin construction.
Iredale has extensive expertise in building envelope science, interior design and space planning particularly with educational facilities including the recent G.P. Vanier seismic upgrade design. Other school projects include North Saanich Middle School, Outma Sqilx’w Cultural School, and Sexsmith Elementary School.
