December 18, 2009
Neighbourhood Learning Centre Coming to Richmond

RICHMOND - The new Samuel Brighouse Elementary school will become a Neighbourhood Learning Centre as part of a $15-million seismic replacement plan, Richmond MLAs Rob Howard, Linda Reid and John Yap announced today.

"The new Brighouse Elementary will provide a modern learning environment that will be safer for students and staff," said Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard. "I'm excited that the new school will combine education programs with the delivery of a wide range of social and community services that will enhance the quality of life for our students and our community."

Samuel Brighouse Elementary, built in 1965, is being replaced as part of the Province's Seismic Mitigation Plan. The new school will meet the latest seismic safety requirements and will incorporate a sustainable and efficient design that conforms to LEED gold standards. The school will be constructed using wood wherever possible in support of B.C. industry and the environment. The new school is expected to open in fall 2011.

"Building schools that meet LEED Gold Standards helps to reduce our energy use and put those savings back into the classroom," said Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap. "Using wood to construct the new school will store carbon in the building, preventing greenhouse gases from escaping into the atmosphere."

All school districts in B.C. have been encouraged to find unique and innovative ways to design schools with community use in mind and create places where people have better access to educational and community services. Neighbourhood Learning Centres respond to community interests and may include a wide variety of programs and resources including child-care programs, office space, health clinics, sports programs, seniors' centres and family resource centres.

"Schools can be neighbourhood hubs that provide valuable services for families," said Richmond East MLA Linda Reid. "The new Brighouse Elementary's child-care spaces will help families find the safe care they need conveniently located at their school."

The Samuel Brighouse Neighbourhood Learning Centre will include space for pre- and post-school care, and family literacy programs targeted to provide services to families who are new to Canada.

"This safe, green, efficient new school will be a wonderful learning environment for staff and students," said Richmond board of education chair Linda McPhail. "And the addition of the Neighbourhood Learning Centre programs will make it an even more valuable community asset."

The Neighbourhood Learning Centre website, www.neighbourhoods-of-learning.gov.bc.ca/create/, includes examples of some of the community services and programs already offered in schools around B.C. As well, visitors can create their own virtual centres using an interactive program.

Since 2001, a total of nine capital projects including one seismic project have been completed in the Richmond school district at a cost of more than $71 million. 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 Campbell, all new school construction projects will include B.C. wood in their construction whenever possible.

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