Greater Victoria School Board trustees voted to push ahead with one preferred option for seismic upgrades to Vic High on Monday night.
SD61 will ask the Ministry of Education to approve a plan known as Seismic plus Enhancements as well as a Neighbourhood Learning Center.
The estimated cost is $73.3 million.
It will create room for 1000 students.
The other option that was being looked at involved seismic upgrades but fewer enhancements and room for 800 students at a cost of $61.1 million.
The board had earlier decided that keeping the existing century-old structure was a must,
but trustees were presented with $67.9 million as cost of a new building, also with room for 1000 students.
“It is the opinion of the Superintendent that the most favorable option is Seismic Plus Enhancements (1000) Plus NLC,” reads a memo from Superintendent of Schools Piet Langstraat to the Board.
“The cost differential of $5,331,140 is, however, a major consideration for the Board of Education.”
The Board approved a motion to recommend the more expensive option,
But it is now contingent on convincing the Ministry of Education at that the existing building is worth saving and agreeing to fund the project.
Ben O'Hara
