Nanaimo students will have more space for education after the completion of the École Hammond Bay expansion which has added almost 300 student seats to the community.
“These new classrooms are more than bricks and mortar. They’re designed to enhance the learning experience and improve student outcomes. They’re spacious, well-equipped, and technologically advanced all providing spaces for students to succeed,” said Greg Keller, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools chairperson.
The nearly $15-million project added two storeys, 12 new classrooms, and 295 student seats and will eliminate the need for four portables.
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“A record number of people are moving to British Columbia, and in especially in the last two years, we have seen so many people come [to Nanaimo], which is why it is so important that we continue to build, expand, and upgrade schools to keep up with this growth,” said B.C. Minister of Education and Child Care Rachna Singh.
She said her ministry is planning more projects with the school district “which will result in more safe student spaces to help keep up with the growing enrolment.
At the end of the unveiling of the new expansion, a Grade 7 student band performed a cover of Wonderwall by Oasis, meant to give thanks “to the wonder walls that are right behind us.”
According to an provincial government news release, B.C.’s 2023 budget includes $3.4 billion for school capital projects over the next three years.
During today's press conference celebrating the completion of École Hammond Bay's expansion, Grade 7 students performed a cover of Wonderwall, meant to give thanks “to the wonder walls that are right behind us"… (📷BaileySeymour/NewsBulletin) https://t.co/6U7D6tJg1Q#Nanaimo pic.twitter.com/MC8h8hkJXa
— Nanaimo Bulletin (@NanaimoBulletin) September 11, 2023