October 23, 2023

The North Vancouver School District and District of North Vancouver are pleased to share the new artificial turf field (ATF) at Argyle Secondary is open and in use by Argyle Pipers' athletic teams and community field sports users.

The field is lined for field hockey, football, rugby and soccer; includes lighting, bleachers and sports team seating; and also includes an adjoining turf practice area that opened in September.

This is an important amenity for both the Argyle community and the community as a whole. We are especially thrilled this North Vancouver School District-District of North Vancouver partnership will see students coming together through sport with friends, family and community cheering them on.

Outside of school hours, the field is bookable through the North Vancouver Recreation Commission. ​

Students representing the Argyle Piper's football, soccer, ultimate, field hockey and rugby teams gather on the new artificial turf field (ATF), along with District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little (back row); North Vancouver School District Board Chair Kulvir Mann (back row), Superintendent of Schools Dr. Pius Ryan (front row), and Director of Facilities and Planning Jim MacKenzie (back row); Argyle School Principal Kim Jonat (back row), Athletic Director Mark Pearce (back row), Teachers/Coaches Milan Boljuncic (back row) and Darren Rath (front row) and Argyle PAC Chair Leslie Jaremchuk (back row).

September 22, 2022

The North Vancouver School District and District of North Vancouver are pleased to share that construction of the new artificial turf field (ATF) at Argyle Secondary is moving forward, with the new ATF expected to be completed by September 2023. A copy of the letter shared with the Argyle school community is available for review. 

For construction project updates regarding the ATF, please visit the District of North Vancouver website.

​

August 31, 2020

Roadwork:

• As part of the new Argyle school project, the District of North Vancouver requires the school district to complete the current roadwork improvements to Frederick Road.
• All Frederick Road improvements will be constructed on municipal property.
  
• Both sides of Frederick Road will ultimately be widened.
• Improvements to the south side of the road, including new curb, sidewalk, pull-out parking, paving, street lighting and landscaping are being completed by the school district.
• Improvements to the north side of the road will be completed by the District of North Vancouver. The scope and timing for the north side improvements is at the discretion of the District of North Vancouver.
• There has been a slight delay to the current roadwork completion. The anticipated completion date for the current roadwork project is mid-September.
  
• Additional roadwork will begin in phase 2 of the project, following the old school demolition.
• Work is being performed in a safe and controlled manner.

Photos of work undertaken from September - December 2019

Photo time lapse of the construction

Updated August 6, 2019 (originally posted April 15, 2019)

Traffic plan information

March 7, 2019

New flyover video of the new Argyle Secondary School

January 23, 2019

Argyle Construction Update

November 9, 2018

Argyle Replacement - Project Update

• Bulk excavation complete
  
• Piling complete
  
• Concrete footings and foundations under construction
  
• Site servicing installations underway
  
• Confirmation of funding for development of artificial turf field obtained from District of North Vancouver
  
• Development permit for field and Kilmer Creek daylighting - pending
• Funding for furniture for the new school - The Board of Education allocated $750,000 from the 2017/2018 budget surplus towards furniture for the new Argyle Secondary 

August 9, 2018

Check out the layout design for the new Argyle Secondary School

July 13, 2018

June 7, 2018

Argyle Full Replacement Project Update

Argyle Capital Project Update - June 2018

November 3, 2017

Argyle Full Replacement Project Update

Conceptual image prepared for the District of North Vancouver Development Permit Application.

October 16, 2017

Argyle Full Replacement Project Update

Argyle Capital Project Update - October 2017 - PDF

November 29, 2016

Argyle Replacement Project - Renderings and Feedback

North Vancouver School District is proposing to replace the existing Argyle Secondary School, located at 1131 Frederick Road. The new school is being designed to accommodate 1200 students, with additional space for up to 100 more students funded by the School District. The new school will also be designed to support other community functions.

The new Argyle Secondary School and associated parking will be constructed on the existing grass and gravel play fields at the east end of the property. Following completion of construction of the new school, the existing Argyle school will be demolished, and a new sports field will be constructed in its place.​

Parking​

There are two parking concepts being considered:

Concept 1 includes two parking lots with a total of 165 spots. This meets District of North Vancouver requirements.

The second concept would require a variance from the District of North Vancouver. It includes fewer stall (110 total) and replaces what would have been parking stalls in one area with increased outdoor​ recreation space (sports courts of some kind).​

Traffic Flow

There are two traffic flow concepts being considered:

The first concept is one way circulation through the main parking lot, entering off of Frederick Rd and exiting on Argyle Rd.

The second concept has the traffic from the main parking lot entering and exiting on Frederick Rd.

Sports Field

There are two concepts for the sports field being considered:

The first concept is a proposal to construct a new artificial turf field, which is being considered by the District of North Vancouver.​ This concept would likely include lighting and perhaps public washrooms.

The second concept is an all weather gravel field. This concept does not include lighting or public washrooms.

Feedback

North Vancouver School District is seeking feedback on these three aspects of the project. We ask that you provide your input by December 5, 2016. Feedback can be submitted to feedback@sd44.ca

Exterior Images

Here are some architectural renderings of the outside of the proposed project:

Layout

Here are some images of the layout within the building:

This is the layout of the main floor.

This is the layout of the second floor.

Interior Design

As design work on the interior of the school moves forward and architectural renderings of the inside become available, these will be shared with staff, parents, students and the public. This will likely take place in early spring 2017.

June 9, 2016

Argyle Secondary replacement project approved

Argyle Secondary School staff join Minister of Education Mike Bernier and MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour Jane Thornthwaite to announce funding approval to build a brand new Argyle Secondary.

Students at Argyle Secondary school will have a brand new, seismically safe and state-of-the-art school thanks to a partnership between the B.C. government and the North Vancouver School District. Minister of Education Mike Bernier and MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour Jane Thornthwaite announced the $45.7 million investment with school district staff, teachers, students and parents at an event at Argyle Secondary on Tuesday, June 9, 2016.

"By working together, we are able to move this important safety project forward to protect and benefit students, teachers and staff in North Vancouver. The new Argyle Secondary will serve students, families and the community for generations to come" said Minister Bernier.

In May 2012, the Ministry of Education approved a seismic upgrade project for Argyle Secondary School. Since that time, as part of the Land, Learning and Livability community consultation process, the North Vancouver Board of Education has been working with the community, the District of North Vancouver, and the Ministry of Education to change this project from a seismic upgrade renovation to a brand new replacement school for Argyle.

"We are very excited to be able to provide our students, staff and community a brand new secondary school, which will consist of a modern design that will support teaching and learning methods for the future. The North Vancouver Board of Education has worked hard for a long time to bring this project to fruition and we are elated that it upholds our school district's vision for student-centred learning in the 21st century," said Christie Sacré, chairperson, North Vancouver Board of Education.

The Province is contributing $37.6 million toward the project as part of its award-winning Seismic Mitigation Program. The North Vancouver School District is contributing an additional $8.1 million to fund a full school replacement. Above and beyond this amount, the North Vancouver School District is contributing an additional $3.3 million for a 1050 square-meter Neighbourhood Learning Centre component. This aspect of the project will bring the total estimated project cost to $49.1 million and will include amenities that can be utilized by the school and community.

The North Vancouver Board of Education is able to provide $11.4 million towards the replacement of Argyle Secondary because of a lengthy consultation process whereby school district assets were reviewed and surplus assets were sold to be utilized to fund the remainder of the replacement project for Argyle. 

"We are very excited to be able to provide our students, staff and community a new secondary school, which will consist of a modern design that will support teaching and learning methods for the future," said Sacré.

The new school will be designed to meet today's standards for safety, accessibility and modern learning. It will encompass green building standards and efficient technology, will involve plans for a new artificial turf field, and will lower overall operations and building life cycle costs. Other exciting aspects of this project include enhanced multi-use performance space, improved gym facilities, integration of technology throughout the school, improved drop-off areas and parking, and environmental enhancements such as outdoor learning spaces, gardens, rainwater drainage and creek enhancements.

Construction is expected to start in 2017, with the new school slated to open in September 2020. It will be built on the existing playing fields. Once construction is complete, the students will move to the new school and the existing buildings will be demolished and turned into new playing fields.

"Argyle Secondary is a stalwart in this community and I know that past, present and future Argylians support this project as it could open new doors for community access that enrich the daily lives and learning of students and community members alike," said Elizabeth Bell, Principal at Argyle Secondary School.
 

Christie Sacré, Chairperson of the North Vancouver Board of Education, speaks to students, staff and parents at the announcement of the project to build a new Argyle Secondary School.

February 24, 2016

Argyle Full Replacement Project Update

The North Vancouver School District continues to await confirmation from the Ministry of Education regarding the Board's request to proceed with the full replacement of Argyle Secondary School, rather than the approved seismic upgrade.  Since the October 22, 2015 update, the key developments are provided below:

• Communication has contined with Ministry of Education staff, indicating that the replacement of Argyle School is at the highest priority of the Ministry
  
  
• The cost difference between the seismic upgrade ($37.8M) and a full replacement ($45.7) remains at an estimated cost of $7.9M
  
  
• The North Vancouver School District now has $11.38M in capital reserve, with these funds targeted towards the Argyle Replacement Project
  
  
• The Board has confirmed its intent to pursue the full preferred option that provides:
• Additional space for additional classroom capacity (+600 sq. m.)
• Area for multi-purpose/performing arts (+1000 sq. m.), and
• Recreation support space (+176 sq. m.)
  
  
• Killick, Metz, Bowen and Rose Architects and Planners (KMBR) facilitated a "Designs for Learning" workshop with staff to explore current options for the design of new schools to address the changing curriculum and approaches to learning
  
  
• The Board continues to pursue all options to secure the funding necessary for the full preferred replacement option.  The Board has requested a meeting with the Ministry of Education and will arrange a meeting with the District of North Vancouver
  
  
• The Board will also consider the potential to raise additional funds through surplus lands, leases, and other methods. 

The Board of Education looks forward to an invitation to enter into a Project Agreement at the earliest opportunity to move this 'long-awaited' replacement project forward.

As information becomes available on this project, updates will be posted.

A print copy of this information is available here.

October 22, 2015

Argyle Capital Project Update

Parents/guardians of students in the Argyle Family of Schools were invited to an Argyle Parent Advisory Council-sponsored event on October 21, 2015 at École Boundary Elementary School to learn more about the Argyle Capital Project.  John Lewis, Superintendent of Schools, provided an overview of the history of the Argyle Capital Project; funding the "gap"; building and site enhancements; timelines; and the next steps.  He outlined the actions that the Board of Education is taking to support and implement the Argyle Full Replacement Capital Project. 

The slides from Superintendent Lewis' Argyle Capital Project Update are available here.  

Argyle Capital Project Update Presentation - October 21, 2015

October 20, 2015

Argyle Full Replacement Project Update

The North Vancouver School District continues to make progress with its request for the full replacement of Argyle Secondary School.  Since the update provided at the Argyle Parent Advisory Council Meeting on March 2, 2015, key developments are provided below:

• Constructive meetings and communications have continued with Ministry of Education staff through the spring and summer, including a site visit by Ministry staff in June 2015
  
  
• The Project Definition Report (PDR) for the replacement project was finalized after a number of updates to meet Ministry requirements and for presentation to the Ministry of Finance
  
  
• As a result of price escalation and clarification of project scope, the cost difference between the seismic upgrade ($37.8M) and the base full replacement ($45.7) is $7.9M.  The preferred alternative options that incorporate additional space for the multi-purpose / performing arts areas (+1000 sq. m.) and additional classroom capacity and recreation support space (+766 sq. m.) have increased in cost to approximately $10.7M and $13.7M respectively.  The total cost of the preferred Argyle option is $51.5M ($37.8M Ministry + $13.7M NVSD)
  
  
• The North Vancouver School District has now sold the Keith Lynn site ($5M) and Monteray site ($6.38M), with proceeds targeted towards the Argyle replacement project. A conditional sale of a surplus parcel of land at the Braemar site ($2.4M) is proceeding through the municipal process.  Together, the proceeds from these three properties will achieve the financing needed for the preferred replacement option at Argyle
  
  
• A conditional sale of the Ridgeway Annex site ($5.1M) is at fourth and final reading with the Council of the City of North Vancouver.  This will allow the sale to be completed in November, with proceeds applied to the remaining debt associated with the replacements of Sutherland Secondary and Westview Elementary Schools
  
  
• Expressions of Interest were issued in May for architectural and consultant services, followed by a Request for Proposals.  Killick, Metz, Bowen and Rose Architects and Planners (KMBR) were selected as the lead consultants for the Argyle project. KMBR have extensive experience in the design and construction of schools in BC, with North Vancouver School District experience including the Sutherland Secondary School replacement project
  
  
• During the summer 2015, advance project work was completed including: geotechnical investigation, site survey, arborist assessment, hazardous materials assessment, and non-structural seismic assessment of the existing building
  
  
• Meetings were held with the District of North Vancouver (DNV) Planning Department to identify project requirements for both the seismic and full replacement options.  DNV staff provided detailed information related to building department reviews, code compliance, local improvements, and expectations related to the ‘daylighting’ of Kilmer Creek for flood mitigation purposes
  
  
• The project request is considered by the Province of BC's Treasury Board as a “Major Capital Project’ for review by Treasury, Finance, and the Capital Branch to determine the outcome of the Board's request to advance to a Project Agreement before the end of the calendar year.

The Board of Education looks forward to an invitation to enter into a Project Agreement before the end of the 2015 calendar year. 

As information becomes available on this long-awaited project, updates will be posted.

A print copy of this information is available here.

June 15, 2015

The North Vancouver School District is continuing to work with the Ministry of Education's Capital Planning Branch to advance the request for a Full Replacement Project.  In consultation with the Ministry, the School District is able to proceed with some preliminary work, at its own risk, in advance of a Project Agreement being in place.  As the Project Agreement may not be finalized until September 2015, the School District has identified a limited scope of work that may be completed during the summer months.  This advance work would focus on a due diligence engineering review of the site. 

The Project Definition Report associated with the Seismic Project and the Replacement Project request is currently under review by the Capital Branch.  The School District will be meeting with the Capital Branch staff before the end of June to discuss the report and identify any further requirements to establish the capital budget figures for both the seismic upgrade and the replacement school options.

The Expression of Interest process for Argyle School resulted in an invitation to participate in a Request for Proposal process to a short-list of highly qualified candidate firms.  The Request for Proposal process will facilitate the selection of a project architect by the end of June or early July 2015, in advance of a Project Agreement being in place.

June 11, 2015

Learn more about the sale of the former Monteray School site - Proceeds to be directed to the Argyle Secondary School Replacement Project.

March 3, 2015

Argyle Capital Project Update

Parents/guardians of students in the Argyle Family of Schools were invited to an Argyle Parent Advisory Council-sponsored event on March 2, 2015 to learn more about the Argyle Capital Project.  John Lewis, Superintendent of Schools, provided an overview of the history of the Argyle Capital Project; funding the "gap"; building and site enhancements; and the next steps.  He outlined the actions that the Board of Education will take and how the community can lend its support to an Argyle Replacement Capital Project. 

The slides from Superintendent Lewis' Argyle Capital Project Update are available here.  

Argyle Capital Project Update Presentation - March 2, 2015

January 27, 2015

On behalf of the Board of Education, Chair Barry Forward sent a follow-up letter to Education Minister Peter Fassbender regarding the Board's request to meet with the Minister and Ministry staff to discuss the conversion of the Argyle Secondary School seismic project to a full-replacement school.

September 9, 2014

On behalf of the Board of Education, Chair Franci Stratton sent a letter of request to Education Minister Peter Fassbender to meet with him and Ministry staff to address any remaining concerns related to the Argyle Secondary School Replacement Project.

April 22, 2014