Cumberland Community School approved to advance to business development stage

Comox Valley Schools is thrilled that the Ministry of Education and Child Care has approved the district to proceed to business case development for an expansion and seismic mitigation of Cumberland Community School.

Cumberland is experiencing rapid growth and this project is a critical step in meeting the needs of students, staff and the greater community. Parts of the current school are a high seismic risk and the facilities are well over intended capacity.

“It is exciting that the Cumberland Community School will be educating many more students in the coming years,” says Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid-Island Pacific Rim. “Our government is committed to making improvements for the school, which will allow staff and teachers to continue to provide students a safe place to learn and grow”

The project is still in the early stages and the budget is still being determined. The district expects the business case to be completed by the end of the school year.

“Comox Valley Schools’ Board of Education is pleased to see this project advancing to the next stage,” said Michelle Waite, board chairperson, Comox Valley Schools. “This is great news for our growing district. We look forward to continuing to work with the ministry on our capital priorities.”

More information about the size, scope and cost of the project will be available once the business case is approved. Approval of the business case is necessary before the project can move forward to the construction stage. Until then, district staff will work closely with the ministry’s capital branch to ensure the project continues to move forward.

“The Comox Valley is growing and many families have moved to Cumberland in recent years,” said Geoff Manning, acting superintendent, Comox Valley Schools. “This is great news as enrolment forecasts anticipate even more students will attend Cumberland Community School in upcoming years, so this project will be a big step forward for the district in meeting space and capacity needs in Cumberland.”

The expansion and seismic upgrade of Cumberland Community School will be an exciting development for the district and community. The school is also a vital hub for many community groups in Cumberland.