Official opening of the newly renovated and expanded Steveston-London Secondary
“As the parent of two children who graduated from public school in Richmond, I take great pride in the efforts of government, the board of education, parents and teachers as we celebrate the opening of Richmond’s newest and biggest high school,” said Yap. “This major renovation provides students with enhanced learning opportunities and sets high environmental standards.” Steveston-London Secondary school took flight with the merger of Steveston Secondary school and Charles E. London Secondary school. The upgrades and expansion of the London Secondary building cost $19.5 million and brought the school’s student capacity to 1,375. The new addition covers 5,700 square metres and includes an area for the school’s acclaimed aviation and automobile technology programs. The remodelled aviation and automobile technology shop is big enough to house a full helicopter shell and features two auto hoists and a spray paint booth. The school also has a new science wing with two super-labs, updated classrooms, a new library and student computer centre, a new 160-seat theatre, a new music room and a new and larger, second gymnasium. “From the ‘hangar’ to the science super-labs, the bright classrooms and shop areas to the new theatre and gymnasium, there is a place here for everyone,” said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. “This state-of-the-art school provides a safe and stimulating environment in which students can pursue their academic potential, their individual talents and their dreams.” The upgrades include the latest in energy-saving features such as geothermal heating and cooling, and photo-voltaic interior lights that turn off automatically when there is enough light coming in from the outside. The addition was built according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles, and wood was extensively used during construction With the support of BC Hydro, a building adjacent to the school has been transformed into the Richmond School District’s Sustainability Centre. It will house the district’s new administrator for energy and sustainability, who will work to reduce the district’s greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The centre will also provide meeting space for students, teachers and others working on environmental projects. “Our new school will inspire students, educators and the community as we build on the traditions of excellence established at Steveston and London schools and cultivate the leaders and innovators of the future,” said Richmond board of education chair Linda McPhail. Since 2001, the Province has invested nearly $68 million on school construction projects in the Richmond school district. This includes $16.5 million to replace Richmond Secondary and over $25 million to build A.R. MacNeill Secondary. During that time, the Province has spent more than $1.5 billion to complete 75 new and replacement schools, 147 additions, 26 renovation projects and 20 site acquisitions across B.C. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards. By the end of 2009-10, the Province will have committed more than $3.8 billion in school capital and maintenance projects across the province. As outlined by Premier Gordon Campbell, all new school construction projects will include B.C. wood in their construction whenever possible.
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