Congratulations are in order for all parties involved in what appears to be a very encouraging proposal and framework for resolving the many longstanding issues relating to the school district’s capital plan (a plan which includes replacement of New Westminster’s only secondary school, construction of a third middle school, and the replacement of John Robson elementary).
This proposal provides facilities for up to 3,000 of the district’s school children which is good news indeed.
We will be eagerly watching community reaction to the proposal which also includes replacement of the Massey Theatre and the addition of Neighbourhoods of Learning facilities.
Four key documents relating to the project proposal that provide additional details can be accessed through the links below:
• Capital Project Proposed Comprehensive Plan
• Letter from the Minister of Education
• Performing Arts Centre Business Framework Agreement
There are also some related articles in the local papers and these can be accessed through the links below.
• Massey Theatre could be replaced as part of high school project (New Westminster News Leader: July 21, 2010)
• Parents' groups say high school/Massey plan is 'promising'(New Westminster News Leader: July 22, 2010)
• School plans unveiled (New West Record July 21, 2010)
We're looking forward to the comments and reactions from the community to this long-awaited announcement.
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4 comments:
This is, as you say, excellent news.
I have looked at the plan, hard to find any negatives. The level of planning and detail are impressive.
Thank you for posting the new capital project information, including the DPAC press release on your Blog. This is all very positive for New Westminster.
While I have not yet had a chance to speak to the Massey Theatre Society, today’s announcement by School District 40 concerning the future of our Massey Theatre seems to me to be the best news that could come from a long-standing bad situation.
When the School District first announced its intentions to rebuild the high school, part of the original objective was to include upgrading the Massey Theatre. Since then, studies have determined that it would be cost prohibitive to upgrade the theatre to meet existing building codes. That, coupled with the extent of the historical on-site cemetery issues, did not bode well for the old theatre because to achieve a new school, the options were to lose either the theatre or the City-owned Mercer Stadium.
The announcement that the Province will fund 650 seats of a proposed new state-of-the-art 1000 seat theatre as part of the new high school replacement project indicates that all levels of government recognize the important contribution that Arts & Culture bring to the students and community of New Westminster. There are details to be worked out and the consultation process will hopefully bring to light any kinks, but at first blush it seems that the Province, the School Board, and the City deserve our congratulations: there is no question that this investment in New Westminster will profit many generations to come!
Personally, I am optimistic about the whole package. Its been quite a struggle to get to this point but finally we have a plan that is good for district students and staff, good for the Arts community and City Sports groups, ... good for all New Westminster residents, and certainly due credit should be given to the Province for their commitment to New Westminster. Given the many complexities associated with the capital projects process, I don't think a better proposal is possible.
Lisa Graham,
New Westminster School Trustee
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