Opening a new elementary school is an exciting moment, for school district officials, administrators, teachers, support workers and students. The new Westview Elementary School has a number of amenities that make it an exciting new space for the entire community as well.
Plans for the new school started in 2005. After an initial study and public consultation, the school district announced that Grief Point Elementary School would likely be moving. Because of its age and condition, Grief Point was identified as a priority project under BC’s Seismic Mitigation Program. Two options had been under consideration: an upgrade and renovation of the existing school or construction of a new building.
After deciding on the latter, the next decision was location. The school district favoured Gordon Park, which happened to be the site of an athletic track used by many Powell River residents as well as for track and field events. Many residents opposed the decision to move the new school to Gordon Park because the track would be gone.
After four years of studies and public consultation, the board decided in November 2008 to build a new school at Gordon Park. In January, City of Powell River council approved an application for a $1-million grant from the provincial government to build a new track. The location of the new track became another controversial issue, but as the debate continued, the school district carried on planning for the new school. That spring, school district officials announced the ministry of education had approved funds to initiate planning for the facility, based on a Neighbourhood of Learning model. The school was designed to be a community facility as well as a learning space for elementary students.
The $17.3-million Westview Elementary has a large gym that will be used by community groups, as well as allowing the school district to host provincial competitions. It has two play-based rooms, one that can be used by early learning programs and the other which can be used by parents and caregivers who can just drop in to play with their young charges. There are kitchen facilities that can be used by organizations and two multi-purpose rooms for arts and music.
Outside, there is a special fenced play area for the youngest students, a full-sized playing field, ball hockey and basketball courts and a paved path created for the community to use for walks.
The entire community can be proud of this new facility, designed with the goal of providing the best education possible for its students, as well as offering space and facilities for residents and organizations in the region.
