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Open houses for Vic High seismic plan start this weekend

The public invited to hear about safety options for iconic school, offer feedback
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The Greater Victoria School District invites the public to a pair of open houses regarding the seismic safety at Vic High, this Saturday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 18. News file photo

The public is invited to hear about and ask questions about the various options being considered to upgrade the seismic safety status for Vic High, at two upcoming open houses.

The drop-in events, happening in the school’s gym this Saturday (April 7) from 9 a.m. to noon and Wednesday, April 18 from 5 to 7 p.m., will provide information gathered so far on the range of options.

Those include a full seismic upgrade of the existing four-storey building, construction a new high school, or retaining the exterior facade and rebuilding the interior.

RELATED: Vic High needs seismic upgrades

Greater Victoria School District staff will be on hand at both sessions to answer questions, listen to feedback and learn more about community values, ideas and challenges.

The input will help inform the SD61 Board of Education in advance of a decision.

An online survey will also launch this Saturday and run until April 30 at sd61.bc.ca.

Opened in 1914, Vic High has an H-1 seismic ranking, the highest level of priority needed for the Ministry of Education.

Considerations for planning upgrades to a high school include educational needs, capacity and student enrolment projections. As well, the staff and board will also take into account operating and capital costs, heritage, environment, plus community values and amenities.

Coffee and cookies will be available at the open houses, as will an activity table for young children, and school tours will be undertaken for interested parties.

editor@vicnews.com