Carson Elementary School in Quesnel is not viable long-term where it is currently situated due to ongoing landslide concerns.
That was the outcome of a geotechnical report that was released at last (Wednesday) night’s Board of Education meeting.
Jennifer Woollends is the District’s Secretary-Treasurer.
“During the month of July, the Geotech conducted a detailed investigation of the site to determine the cause of the slide and the long-term viability of the school building. There were two drill holes made and various samples taken. The final report was received by the District this week. The geotechnical report concluded that the school is not viable long-term where it is currently situated. The report indicates that the school is too close to the bank and if another slide was to occur the footprint of the building may be damaged.”
Woollends says the Geotech indicated that spring is the time of year to be concerned about land movement.
She adds that the District has secured emergency funding from the Ministry of Education to implement a safety plan by March 1, 2022 before the spring thaw occurs.
Woollends says this plan would allow staff and students to remain together on the current site, while ensuring safety for all.
-The classroom block of the school closest to the bank would be closed off to staff and students.
-Four portable classrooms would be added to the site to replace the closed classroom block
-A larger portion of the school site closest to the bank would be fenced off
-Ground monitoring equipment would be added to the site
-Playground equipment would be added to the site
Woollends says the District will be implementing this plan over the next few weeks and will communicate with staff, students, parents/guardians and the public as they work through this process.
The Board also amended it’s 2021-22 Five-Year Capital Plan to reflect the emergency funding for the changes in the short term, and it’s 2022-23 Major Capital Plan to reflect the need to replace Carson Elementary School.
It is now the Board’s number one priority as a replacement school.
It was back on April 11th of this year that a landslide occurred in behind Carson Elementary School.
That area has been fenced off ever since.