A new $44.3-million Kelly Road secondary school is in the works.
Construction is set to begin in the fall of 2017 and about 900 students will continue to study at the existing school until the new state-of-the art-building is ready.
Once completed the 56-year-old school will be demolished.
MLAs Shirley Bond and Mike Morris and school board chair Tim Bennett announced the long-awaited project Friday.
"As a former trustee, I know how important this project is to our district. This has been a high priority for many years and I am excited we are moving forward. this $44.3 million investment provides a state-of-the art school for students and teachers and will create local jobs. the new Kelly Road Secondary School will provide a modern, safe and inspiring place to learn, teach and work for years to come," said Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemont."
The new school will be built to follow Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards. And in support of B.C's new curriculum, the building will include large open collaborative learning spaces and an abundance of natural light.
The cost of the new school is $44.3 with $43.3 million coming from the B.C. government and $1 million from the Prince George School District.
"Kelly Road Secondary has a great history in the community as the only secondary school in Prince George north of the Nechako river" school board chair Tim Bennett said.
"The current building is nearing end of life ad the Board of Education is excited that today's announcement will mean that the community will be able to continue that legacy in a new building. When the project is complete students and staff will have a facility that is modern, energy efficient and that is designed to meet the needs of 21st century learning and teaching."
The project is also providing opportunities for students to learn trades with skills-training and apprenticeship programs under B.C's Apprentices on Public Projects Policy, part of B.C.'s Skills for jobs Blueprint. It is also expected that the project will create about 135 local jobs.
" Kelly Road Secondary School has served as the only high school for northern Prince George for years. Built in the early 1960's the school has served many purposes and has seen many additions. It has served the community well and it's now time to bring a new school in, designed to better suit the needs of today's learner," said Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie.
More than $58.7 million has been invested by the province since 2001 for projects including; the new Valemount Secondary School, an addition to Southridge Elementary School and the replacement of Duchess Park Secondary School.
