February 21, 2019 - UPDATED March 29, 2019

Handsworth design – Feedback overview and FAQ

Feedback about the design of the Handsworth Secondary School was obtained during and following the Public Information Meeting held on January 9, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at Handsworth Secondary School. 

Here is an overview of the question and answer period at the open house:

Q1     I am a North Shore Streamkeeper, I am wondering if in your design have you considered management of storm water for the site and how it will embrace the creek from the use of swales and soften the impact of the building?  Does the design embrace the impact on this land? 

A1       We have an environmental consultant who has been engaging on this project. They are looking at impacts on the creek. In terms of embracing the creek, we have to do the opposite. There is a requirement to stay 10 metres back from the creek. We have to install a fence along the creek. There will be storm drains installed on the project to manage water. In terms of habitat encroachment, the plantings around the site will be native species. We are also being asked to look at where the invasive species are and in the slope area replace them with native species. 

Q2     I am a neighbour of about twenty years. I want to address the issue of parking. There is a bylaw in place that says it is adequate. The school will see in the future the same amount of traffic. There are events at the schools that bring in traffic and buses to the neighbourhood. I can't see why we would want to see anything other than the bylaw requirement being met for parking. The school should meet the parking requirement. When you say that you are making an application for a bylaw variance, what form will that variance take, and how political will that be, and do the neighbours have much meaningful influence?

A2       We are contemplating reducing the parking requirement because what is in the budget is a grass field. A second option is a turf field but if a track is contemplated it needs the space that would be acquired from a reduction in parking. 

            (Robyn Hay, District of North Vancouver planner) Tonight is part of the District of North Vancouver's political process. If you have concerns please write them down on the comment forms. The next opportunity for you to voice your concerns will be at a District of North Vancouver Council meeting. We are hoping for that to be in the early spring. You can also talk to Councillors prior to that time. 

Q3     I live in the area and my children will be coming to Handsworth. Is there an option to move the bike parking to a covered option? I would support that. Is there going to be any electric plug in parking area? Will there be gender neutral bathrooms?

A3       Half the bike parking is planned to be under cover. The secured bike parking is under cover and the unsecured is not. We could look at moving more under cover under some of the other covered areas. We are having a conversation about electric vehicles; currently, 2-3 electric vehicle stalls are designated as part of the design. There is a cluster of gender neutral washrooms around the gym; these washrooms and change facilities. 

Q4     I am a parent and neighbour that is affected by traffic. I would like to have a track and would like to understand the rationale of why it is not in the initial plan? What analysis has occurred to involve the Ministry of Health? We currently have a situation of obesity, without a track an entire population of North Shore residents is going to be driving longer contributing to traffic issues all over the North Shore. You have a dance studio and other amenities. There are numerous studies that support running as a base sport for other things. The loss of a track is a huge loss for the whole community – for the future of the community. 

A4       The Government, Ministry of Education as funders only fund certain things and tracks are not one of them. We have an excellent relationship with the District of North Vancouver and we are looking at working with them to find external funding for the track. 

C5      Some positive feedback: I like the cool design, collaboration emphasis. I can see how you have integrated the feedback you received from parent surveys in terms of the drama, robotics, and the emphasis on active transportation. I do want to pick up on theme, your parking proposal is an improvement on the current situation. We must support the application that allows for maximum design flexibility for future. It is a win-win situation for the existing neighbourhood. It improves traffic flows, more space for the existing school, and it allows for a track. We encourage the design team to look at where you are going to get the cash. We as a community need your help to get organized to enable the ask for the funding for the track to be made clearly and compellingly to other potential funders. It is not good enough to say we don't have the money. We need you to allow us to help you to get the money. 

Q6     I wanted to emphasize my support for the track and field. I attended Handsworth many years ago. How much funding is required for the track and field? And what needs to happen to get that funding?

A6       We are not in the track and field business, but best guess is magnitude three to four million. This is outside of bake sale capacity fundraising. There are lots of different ways to approach this funding. The District of North Vancouver is a big player in possibly funding this. There are a lot of different conversations required.

Q7     I am concerned about the geology. My house is adjacent this site and it is creeping more than you think. I like the previous design where the fields were along the ravine; this one is too modern. I would like to know why you diverged from that design? Other issues I am concerned about are that there are a lot of kids loitering after hours; along Handsworth there is a lot of speeding; there are kids up on the roof of the school; I like the idea of robotics, but we also need computers; LEED Gold – are you doing that?

A7       In terms of the siting of the building, I don't recall a concept where the fields were along the ravine. This is not possible because the existing school has to be in operation while the new school is being built. A phased approach costs a lot more. The school is being designed to LEED Gold. We are looking at crosswalks on Handsworth; in particular, raised crosswalks and narrowing the road at the crossing with bulges. 

            The School District has the same concerns regarding lighting, loitering and hiding at every school site. This is an opportunity to use design to address these issues. In terms of equipment, there will be all new computers, one of the design principles is about building community inside the building, so wifi, video conferencing, and the space will be designed to support connectivity with gathering spaces. 

Q8     I see the traffic design, but I am a bit confused about traffic going north south exiting through Edgewood. Someone mentioned there is going to be a bike route. I have a hard time envisioning that people already travelling through Sunset will re-route and go on Capilano and then up and turn on Handsworth. It seems confusing to me as a biker. It seems strange to me that the parking is a far away from the theatre and the gymnasium where a lot of extra traffic will be coming. It seems awkward to have to walk across the school yard to get there. I would like to encourage the track for our children. There is a lot of space right now with the gravel field, the track and tennis courts and with the new building there will be less outdoor space. What is the square footage of the new school?

A8       The current school is 14,230 square metres and the new school is 13,500 square metres. The decrease is in the design areas not in programming space. 

Q9     I am curious about the mix of bathrooms, will they be taking into account female cultural backgrounds that have a need for female only spaces?

A9       There will be a mix of gender-specific (single-sex) and gender-neutral bathrooms. 

Q10    I am concerned about the structural safety of the building in case of an earthquake. Are you taking that into account? Would students go out on the field?

A10     It is good to see students here asking questions. The new school is being built to a level that everyone inside the building can get out safely, that is the purpose of a seismic upgrade project. It is going to be safer to go outside than stay in the building. We currently practice what to do in event of an earthquake and we would also do that in the new school. The field will be a safe place because there is no overhead wires, glass from windows, etc. 

Q11    Where is the post disaster building in the community if it is not the school?

A11     (Mayor Mike Little) We are working on a project to put sensors on buildings in the event of an earthquake the District of North Vancouver will be able to tell if there has been enough shaking on that building to make it unsafe. We would provide notification if the building is safe. The District of North Vancouver does not have a lot of post disaster buildings, I believe the new community centre building on Queens Road was built to a post disaster standard. We are also trying to identify other spaces that can be completed to a post disaster standard. The next one is the Edgemont Library which is up for a capital upgrade.

Q12    When will the presentation materials be online for people that cannot attend this meeting but would like to comment in the two week comment period?

A12     These presentation boards, comment sheets and materials were posted today online.

Q13    I didn't see a cafeteria in the new plans or places to sit and eat. Is there one? The location of the front door with pick-up and drop-off right in front seems like a recipe for disaster. I would like to hear your thinking on this.

A13     Multiuse is an important design principle for the new school. There is not a dedicated cafeteria, but there is a huge central commons area, that is a place to sit, connect with community. There are also decentralized hubs around the school that will be places where people can connect, eat lunch, etc. It is a big school but the way to make it feel like a small school is to create hubs where cohorts can gather. 

            Yes, we are looking at how to separate vehicle traffic from pedestrians, we are talking about the best way to do that.

Q14    Is there only one washroom per floor? I don't think this is enough as vaping is big and they do it the washrooms. As a student, I currently avoid going into washrooms where vaping occurs. In terms of traffic flow and the approximately 90 parking spots, with the traffic flowing one-way people are driving in and if they can't find a parking spot then they have to go out and drive around the block; is that not going to make traffic worse with backups? I am also curious how you are going to stop the erosion from the creek? I am also concerned that with more students being enrolled each year you are making the new school smaller than before.

A14     There is one set of washrooms for male and one set of washrooms for female per classroom floor. This is a good comment about vaping, it is a challenge in all our schools. Patrolling washrooms and keeping them safe is one issue. The number of washrooms is another. 

            In terms of traffic flow, we are looking at that. In terms of creek erosion that is a good question but outside the focus of this meeting.  In terms of space, all the programming space is built on current program requirements. This is built for maximum flexibility. You have a whole performing arts area, drama, there is lots of space to move things around. 

C15    I am Janet Carswell and I am the Handsworth PAC Chair. There will be a cafeteria and kitchen. We are fundraising for equipment in the school and for the track. The main concern in the broader and school community is the track. There is a lot of support for this. It will be the only big track on the north shore if you build it. We have a committee to raise funds and we are always open to more people joining that committee. We also need a lot of help from the District and the School to raise these funds. The contact information is on school website.

C16    I am a neighbour and in the 90s I was the PAC Chair. I wanted to comment that when the original track was built School District 44 contributed the most to building the existing track. The municipality also contributed and we as parents raised money. It is not impossible. I do not want to lose the track in this area of the District that we worked so hard for.

         Another point, there is a Yew tree in the northwest corner that is very important that I hope you are aware of?

A16     Yes, we are aware of the Yew tree and it is indicated on all the draft plans. In terms of the track we are not saying it is impossible. It needs collaborative effort to make it happen. 

C17    I am Brian and this is my tech crew. Handsworth has two student tech programs for drama, school plays and for big events such as the Remembrance Day assembly and events like this. Our concern when we look at the drawings we don't see a tech booth like we have here in the gym. We are worried about moving into the mechanical room on the second floor. It has some pros such as sound proof but the cons are about microphones and the sound quality will not be as good as before. Currently our stuff is spread all over the school. We would like to see a tech room in the new gym that is a bit bigger if possible. 

A17     Everything is possible, it really is dependent on space as to how we can implement improvements. In the drama space, it is much improved with a grid floor over top, so safe walking and hanging lights. But not all of it has to be permanent.  I can't guarantee that. The key is multiuse and flexible.

C18    It is going to be a really big pain for us to not have a tech booth in the gym and will affect the quality of the assemblies and other meetings. I have been involved in the tech program for four years and this is like a second family to me. Having that space where we can work together, collaborate and work on important tech stuff in a private non-judgmental space I thoroughly enjoy. 

Q19    My kids are coming to the school. I appreciated the students' presentation on the rationale for the tech program needs. I am thinking outside the box, is there any chance that the track could be located off Nancy Green Way off Cleveland Park where there is more space for the track and parking area? There are a couple of schools up there, people drive up there and have track for more than running; incorporating all the other field athletics. Is that possible? My second question is I am biologist and on the north-east corner I don't see the trees, but perhaps they are not in good condition, can you provide an update on that?

A19     The sequoias in the north-east corner showed signs of decay. These would have to be removed to widen the sidewalk. They would be replaced with native plantings. 

            In terms of alternate locations for track this may be something for District of North Vancouver to look at. 

Q20    I live on Edgewood Place, my property line is adjacent to the tree buffer for the parking lot; is that area protected or is it possible to landscape the area and clean out the brush as that area is being used as a smoking zone. All kinds of things get thrown into my yard including lit cigarette butts, which is quite dangerous particularly in the summer when it is dry. Also, is there an opportunity to include newer building methods into what you are doing such as recycling water, etc.?

A20     We are doing some clean-up in that area, so, yes, we could make it a higher visibility zone. The building is being designed to LEED Gold standards so that includes a number of measures such as water and energy conversation, materials selection that results in about 64 credit measures.

C21    I am a neighbour to the immediate west. The setback in the parking area could be adequate as shown of 30 feet or so but needs further attention in terms of the lighting for parking area. The current lights are on 30 foot standards and this adjacent to my property will not be acceptable. They do not have to be 30 feet high and I trust that they will have shields, etc. Secondly, since you are proposing a three-storey building with windows on that west side, I would suggest that the landscape buffering needs to be full mature trees at 20-30 feet to replace what you are taking out. This will create a buffer from school activities. It is important to me that you put in proper fencing and mature landscaping. In terms of the discussion about the field. I am in favour of a grass field without lighting and with a track. This is what we have now and that is what should be replaced. It has minimal impact but if you put in artificial turf and lighting that will bring in a lot more traffic and use. The loss of basketball hoops and tennis courts is something to recognize as Handsworth has a great athletic tradition and there are none of these elsewhere in the neighbourhood. I am not sure what the answer is but even in the winter there are kids playing hoops at the school. I am curious about security and how the school will address concerns raised by others. 

Q22    First wanted to say that I love the beautiful design and am excited for my daughter to come next year for grade 8. I am in favor of a track. There is a problem with obesity and a focus on fitness, it is the right way to go to encourage students. I heard you say the Province does not fund tracks. What if we can come up with a million or two dollars out of changes to the building design and go back to the Province and say we can save this money can we use it for a track. Do we really need the most-fancy expensive building there is – LEED Gold is? 

A22     The building will be durable but not fancy. There won't be any extra funds we can extract from the design. The LEED Gold design is not going to be certified, we are focusing on longevity and energy saving design. There is not going to be money left over.

Q23    I am hoping this project goes through and we get a track but who get to vote on it – the school council? Is this District wide or just in the neighbourhood? If the bylaw does get amended, what kind of engineering will happen on that field? 

I have heard people here say that they would like a track and a grass field so that all activities such as rugby, football, javelin that happen on grass can occur. If the funding is not in place for the track what will happen. For example: If there is just a grass field is it going to be flat or with a slope. If there is no track does the School District have a plan for where the track and grass field related activities will happen?

A23     The decision makers on the School District application for the project and variance is the District of North Vancouver Mayor and Council. 

(Robyn Hay) This application will be going to Mayor and Council for consideration in the spring. 

The key to what type of engineering would occur on the field is timing. If the funding is not in place, then no track would be built but the space would be there for the future. Currently, the plan is to have a slightly sloping grass field with no track until the track funding is in place. Once the funding is in place then a track would be built. Whomever takes on track building would be responsible for engineering and lighting. The School District does not have a plan yet for where the activities that occur on the track and grass field would occur if the track is not built right away. We will have one but not yet. 

Q24    Where is everyone going to park while construction is underway?

A24     There is not a parking plan yet. We are working on it. It will be offsite.

C25    In West Vancouver they have been fundraising for a new track for 5 years. They may well have some tricks and tips. I think their track budget is $5 million. Not sure what bells and whistles it has. It is a big project.

C26    We have lived in the area for a long time and our kids are all finished school. I would support less parking. I think it is important to encourage people that driving to work, to school and driving your kids to drop them off is not the number one option. Let's have a field and track and less parking

A26     We encourage our staff to ride their bikes and also students. We have facilities to encourage people to do that. 

Q27    I have lived for 20 years in the neighbourhood and my kids are graduated. I am wondering if you can shift the proposed parking lot from the west side to the east side? My concern is safety, on Edgewood there is a three way stop but cars turning have limited sight. Also, Handsworth people speed. 

A27     Potentially it could be shifted. We looked at some options to do that. One of the concerns we had was that positioning the new school against neighbours would create a three storey on-look. We don't have a lot of instructions from the District of North Vancouver in terms of height and setbacks but they do specifically say in bylaw that we should be thinking of our neighbours and massing adjacent. We also looked at whether we flipped the design and put the gymnasium and the theatre against the neighbours; this also would create massing and afterhours noise and activities. The decision was made to keep the massing and overlook away from neighbours as much as possible. 

            In terms of transportation we have conducted a number of site visits to the school (after school, before and after bell, afternoons, evenings, mornings, weekend events) to understand traffic patterns. The proposed drop-off on Handsworth includes opportunities to calm down Handsworth with traffic calming measures. We expect there would be less traffic coming out on Edgewood. We are also looking to separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The only overlap is in the drop-off area. 

Q28    I grew up in the neighbourhood and understand traffic patterns. Why is there a new pedestrian crosswalk at the new entrance to the new school? For the residents of Timberline coming out of their street turning right onto Handsworth they will be right into a crosswalk. 

In terms of the running track, I went to Handsworth and did not enjoy running in circles. I think you should encourage trail running. They are beautiful and there are lots of great places to get exercise without a track. 

C29    The west parking lot, would it be more efficient if the parking was on an angle? It takes longer to park particularly for new drivers backing out. I think you should look at that. 

A29     Angle parking requires more space than 90-degree parking. With angle parking, fewer parking stalls would be provided within the same overall parking lot space

***

Here is information related to the most common questions, suggestions and concerns received via comment forms and emailed feedback:

The school district received 356 emailed comment sheets related to this project. The main topic addressed via public feedback was in relation to whether or not a track will be built at the new school. The School District specifically asked the community to provide comments related to the following two items. A summary of all responses is provided below.

Item #1 - Parking Variance

The School District is considering requesting a Bylaw variance to reduce the municipal requirement for on-site parking. The existing school has 107 on-site parking stalls.

• 174 on-site parking stalls are required to be constructed for DNV Bylaw compliance.
• 120 on-site parking stalls are proposed to be constructed, to allow more green space, and to allow sufficient space for a future track.

Please indicate if you support the proposal to request a Bylaw variance to reduce parking.

Summary of all responses

Item #2 - Play field and track

Ministry of Education project funding supports the construction of a new grass field, following demolition of the existing school. Community feedback has indicated a desire for a new artificial turf field, and local sports groups have indicated a desire for a new track, both of which will require external funding support in order to proceed.

• A new grass field is the current proposal
• Space has been provided to allow an artificial turf field scenario to proceed, with minimal impact to the current proposal.
• Space has been provided to allow a track and artificial turf field scenario to proceed, with minimal impact to the current proposal, however the trees and retaining wall along the south property line would be removed. A parking bylaw variance will be required, please see GROUP B – PARKING presentation boards.

Please indicate if you support any or all options.

Summary of all responses

***

Below are other topics the arose through the feedback forms.

Topic: There were some questions as to why the school district cannot fund a track. 

A: The school district is not funded from the Ministry of Education for a track. For a track to proceed, external funding support will need to be in place. For past projects (such as turf fields), we have worked with the local municipality, local sports groups, community groups, and parent advisory councils to generate funding.

Topic: There were various concerns with traffic flow and traffic calming measures.

A: The Traffic Consultant has conducted a number of site visits to the school (including after school, before and after bell, afternoons, evenings, mornings, weekend events) to understand traffic patterns. The proposed drop-off on Handsworth Road includes opportunities to calm Handsworth Road with traffic calming measures. There is consideration of crosswalks on Handsworth; in particular, raised crosswalks and narrowing the road at the crossing with bulges, and moving the existing crosswalk to reduce pedestrian and car interactions at the new driveway at the north-west corner of the site. It is expected that there will be less traffic coming out on Edgewood Road. Efforts are also being made to separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic. 

Topic: There were various concerns related to lighting.

A: The design specifically takes into account impacts on neighbours. The gymnasium and theatre are located away from neighbours to minimize the impact of after-hours noise and activities. The building is also located away from the neighbours so that massing and overlook are kept as far away from neighbours as possible. Lighting will also be designed to minimize impact on neighbours. Lighting from the parking lot will have cut-offs designed to mitigate light pollution and will face toward the school. To address concerns raised by the neighbours, a 1.7m high fence has been added at the north end of the west property line to mitigate potential impact from parked cars to the neighbour. Lighting of the field is not part of this application as this is not something funded by the Ministry of Education. The design includes a stub-out for running lighting to the field to allow field lighting to be installed in the future when/if funding opportunities arise.

Topic: There was concern with the size of the new school.

A: The proposal for the new school is a 13,500 square meter building. The current school is 14,230 square metres. While there is a decrease in the overall area, because of the modern, open and flexible multi-use design of the school there is no decrease in programming space. Handsworth Secondary currently has roughly 1400 students and the school is being built to a 1400 student capacity.

Topic: There were questions about whether or not the current Handsworth catchment area will be reviewed.

A: Policy 605: Admission of Students to Schoolstates: 

"The Superintendent, or designate, shall establish school catchment areas, and review on an annual basis, to ensure that each school has the capacity to accommodate the anticipated enrolment of students in its catchment area. Catchment areas shall be determined after due consideration of all relevant factors, including the accommodation available in the schools, the accessibility of the schools to the students, and the safety of the students in going to and from school." 

While a catchment review is not currently planned, catchment areas are regularly considered and reviews take place if a need arises.

Topic: There were questions about what arts facilities will be available.

A:

• There are flexible general fine arts studios for drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and digital media.
• There is a very exciting performance arts space that is designed to be able to be divided into two spaces for drama, or combined into one large full performance space. It has retractable seating, high-tech A/V, a professional cable grid for lighting. Overall, the performance space is really modern, innovative and state-of-the-art.
• There are also spaces for band, choir and dance.
  

Topic: There were questions about what athletics facilities will be available.

A:

• There is a very large gymnasium space that is designed to be able to be divided into three. Each of the three smaller spaces is a regulation basketball court. The gym will be able to host major sporting events for a variety of sports, such as provincial basketball or volleyball tournaments. It is a really flexible and state-of-the-art space.
• There is also a very large weight room.
• There are also change facilities that are gender specific and gender neutral.
• The outdoor field area has been designed to three scenarios: grass field, turf field, turf field with a track. The second and third options are only possible with external funding support because the school district is not funded by the Ministry of Education for a track or artificial turf field.
  

Topic: There was concern about a loss of tennis and basketball courts.

A: The Ministry of Education does not fund tennis courts or outdoor basketball courts.  These items require alternative funding sources. A space designated for a basketball half-court at the north-east corner of the site has been included in the design and the school district is pursuing a funding source for this item. A location for future tennis courts was explored early-on in the design process, but there is no space for it on the site without foregoing the future track, which was deemed to be of greater interest to the community.

January 9, 2019

Presentation Materials for Public Information Meeting

On January 9, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. a public information meeting is being held in the small gymnasium at Handsworth Secondary School. The purpose of the event is to present the design proposals to the public. Feedback on the proposals is being sought.

Here are the presentation boards that will be on display at the event (they include the various design options): Handsworth information meeting boards.pdf

Here are the presentation slides: Handsworth Presentation.pdf

Feedback is being sought. Here is a comment sheet: Handsworth Comment Sheet.pdf. Please fill in and submit the form to feedback@sd44.ca or send comments in the body of an email to feedback@sd44.ca

December 24, 2018

Handsworth Architectural Flyaround Movie

Please click below to watch the architectural flyaround movie for the Handsworth Secondary School project.

December 14, 2018

Handsworth Advisory Design Panel Presentation

Please click on the link or image below to view the Handsworth Advisory Design Panel presentation.

Handsworth Secondary School Advisory Design Panel Presentation - PDF

December 13, 2018

Public information meeting - Handsworth Replacement project

For more information, please see this information flyer: Handsworth - mailout - public info meeting.pdf

November 9, 2018

Handsworth Replacement School - Progress Update

Steps completed:

Consulting team retained:

• Architect
• Landscape architect
• Electrical engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Structural engineer
• Civil engineer
• Geotechnical engineer
• Transportation consultant
• Land surveyor
• Arborist
• OH&S consultant
• Environmental/QEP consultant
• Quantity surveyor
• Energy modeling consultant
• Commissioning consultant
• Sustainability consultant

Project core committee  - developed and approved schematic design

Conceptual/Schematic Design completed (see below: October 5, 2018)

Anticipated next steps

Design development phase (October 2018-January 2019):

• Handsworth Design Input Team (Handsworth staff representatives) workshops (November 2018 - January 2019)
  
• District of North Vancouver Development Permit application (November 2018)
• Public information meeting - TBC (Early January 2019)

October 5, 2018

Handsworth Secondary School Capital Project Update

Please see below for the plans and images of the Handsworth Secondary project from the ​Board of Education Standing Committee Public Meeting on October 2, 2018. Click on the images to enlarge.

​	​	​
​	​	​
​	​	​
​	​	​

September 19, 2018

Handsworth Secondary School Capital Project Update

Handsworth replacement project KMBR Architects and Planners has commenced the conceptual design work of the new Handsworth Secondary School. The project is currently in the Schematic Design Phase, with construction anticipated to commence mid-2019.

A Public Standing Committee scheduled for October 2, 2018 will update the public on: site massing, initial parking and transportation designs, and internal connections within the school. All staff, students and parents are invited to attend the October 2 meeting (7 p.m. at the ESC, 5th floor).

April 10, 2018

Handsworth Secondary School Capital Project Update

Handsworth Secondary School Capital Project Update - PDF

March 26, 2018

January 15, 2018

Handsworth Replacement Project Approval

Handsworth Replacement Project Approval - PDF

September 2016

Handsworth Secondary School Capital Project Update

Handsworth Secondary School Capital Project Update - PDF

Handsworth Capital Project Update - PDF

February 2016

Update on the Handsworth Seismic Upgrade Project

• A Project Definition Report (PDR) is currently being finalized to meet Ministry requirements.
  
  
• The PDR provides cost estimates for:
1. A seismic upgrade, and
2. A full replacement project.
   
   
• The seismic upgrade is an approved project, while full replacement is the preferred option.
  
  
• The PDR provides a cost estimate of $42.5 million for the seismic upgrade, and a cost of $52.9 million for the full replacement project, a premium of $10.4M.
  
  
• The Board of Education determined its intent to advance the request for a full replacement project at a capacity of 1,300 students, acknowledging the premium cost of $10.4M.
  
  
• The Board has requested a meeting with the Ministry to discuss the funding of a full replacement school, including full funding by the Ministry.
  
  
• Consultation with the Ministry may continue for six months or more, to reach a Project Agreement.
  
  
• The Project Agreement establishes requirements related to the scope of the project (seismic upgrade, or full replacement project), including sources of funding for the replacement option.
  
• The process for design team selection, design development, working drawings, tender and construction contract award is expected to be 18-months in length.
  
  
• Based on a Project Agreement by mid-2016, the planning stage would be complete in late 2017.
  
  
• No design work is started until a Project Agreement is in place and the consultant team is engaged to commence the schematic design work.
  
  
• The timeline for construction for a seismic upgrade project is 30 to 36 months, as the project would proceed in phases, with students utilizing portable classrooms for classes as phases are completed.  Approximately 30 portable classrooms would be needed and would likely be situated on the asphalt play areas, preventing the use of these basketball and tennis facilities.
  
  
• This process was used for the seismic projects at Carisbrooke and Canyon Heights Elementary Schools.
  
  
• The timeline for construction of a full replacement school is approximately 24 to 30 months.
  
  
• The field and asphalt areas to the north and west would be the likely area for the construction of a new school on site.  The separation of construction from the operating school allows for continued use of the existing school for classes until the new replacement school is completed.
  
  
• Following completion of the full replacement school, the former school would be vacated to allow for demolition and for the redevelopment of fields and asphalt areas.
  
  
• The refurbishment of fields, landscaping, and asphalt areas would take an additional year.
  
  
• This approach was used in the construction of replacement schools at Highlands Elementary School and Sutherland Secondary School.
  
  
• With an early 2018 start date, a projected completion date of early 2020 would be possible, with fields and landscaping completed in late 2021.
  
  
• Through its Collaboration Committee with the District of North Vancouver (DNV), the Board of Education continues to meet with DNV to discuss joint planning opportunities.

DRAFT Preliminary schematics

The following images provide a schematic representation of a potential replacement school in relation to the existing site.  This is a preliminary concept for PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY and does not represent what may potentially be developed on site, if the project is approved to proceed as a full replacement project. 

​ ​Handsworth Secondary School Site Plan
​	​
Handsworth School Site Current Plan​	​Handsworth School Site Concept Planning Only

A print copy is available here

November 2015

Update on the Handsworth Seismic Upgrade Project

While the School District focuses efforts to convert the approved Argyle Secondary seismic upgrade project to a replacement school, parallel work continues on the Handsworth seismic upgrade project.  The work on Argyle is helpful to inform the School District of Ministry and municipal requirements for Handsworth. 
 
A Project Definition Report (PDR) is being revised to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education Capital Branch and to incorporate requirements of the District of North Vancouver.  The PDR will provide cost estimates for two options:

1. A seismic upgrade project, and
2. A full school replacement project. 

The seismic upgrade project is an approved project, while the full replacement of Handsworth would be an option for consideration by the Board of Education. 

A draft PDR submitted to the Ministry in November 2014 provided an initial cost estimate of $37 million for the seismic upgrade, and a cost of $51 million for the full replacement project. The updated PDR will provide for revised cost estimates with the clarification of the project scope.  Further information will be provided, if necessary, to ensure that the PDR report is complete and meets Ministry requirements.  We are hopeful that all requirements for the PDR may be completed no later than the end of this calendar year. 

Consideration of Options

The Board of Education will need to consider the cost implications regarding the approved seismic upgrade and the full replacement options for Handsworth Secondary to determine how the Board would prefer to proceed.  The Board plans to arrange a meeting with the Ministry to discuss the funding of capital projects in our School District, including the additional funding that may be required to convert the approved seismic upgrade project to a full replacement project.  

The consultation process with the Ministry of Education may continue for six months or more, into 2016, to reach a Project Agreement.  A Project Agreement between the Ministry of Education and Board of Education will establish the requirements related to the scope of the project and the source of necessary funding.   

A Project Agreement may be reached to proceed with either the approved seismic upgrade project, or with a full replacement project.  Which option is selected for Handsworth is still to be determined by the Board of Education and by the Ministry of Education.

Planning Stage (Seismic Upgrade or Full Replacement)

The process for design team selection, design development, working drawings, tender, and construction contract award is expected to be eighteen months in length.  Based on a Project Agreement in place by mid 2016, the planning stage would not be complete until late 2017.

No design work is started until a Project Agreement is in place and the consultant team is engaged to commence the schematic design work.

Construction

Seismic Upgrade Project

The timeline for construction for a seismic upgrade project is 30 to 36 months, as the project would proceed in phases.  An area of the building would be vacated, with students moving into portable classrooms.  Approximately 30 portable classrooms would be needed to accommodate students for instruction.  These portables would likely be situated on the asphalt play areas, preventing the use of these basketball and tennis facilities throughout the construction period.
 
Upon completion of the first phase, or section of the building, classes would move back into the completed section of the building.  The second section of the building would then be vacated for construction, with a repeat of the previous process of relocation, construction, and relocation continuing through a third phase.   This process was used for the seismic upgrade projects at Carisbrooke and Canyon Heights Elementary.

Full Replacement Project

The timeline for construction of a full replacement school is approximately 24 to 30 months.  An area of the school site (likely the field and asphalt areas to the north and west) would be the area for the construction of a new school on site.  The separation of construction from the operating school would allow for continued use of the existing school for classes until the new replacement school is completed.  Following completion of the full replacement school, the former school would be vacated to allow for demolition and for the redevelopment of fields and asphalt areas.  The refurbishment of fields, landscaping and asphalt areas would take an additional year.  This approach was used in the construction of replacement schools at Highland Elementary and Sutherland Secondary. 

With an early 2018 start date, a projected completion date of spring 2020 would be possible, with fields and landscaping completed in late 2020. 

Joint Planning with the District of North Vancouver

Through its Collaboration Committee with the District of North Vancouver (DNV), the Board of Education continues to meet with DNV representatives from the district to discuss joint planning opportunities related to Handsworth Secondary School.

A print copy is available here.