Будущее школы Amy Woodland остается неопределенным после пожара: правительство рассматривает три варианта восстановления

Amy Woodland future unclear as new school year looms Published 1:55 pm Thursday, August 27, 2026 While a new standalone childcare facility is set to be built on the same property as Amy Woodland Elementary, the future of the school remains unknown. The new daycare recently announced at Amy Woodland features a partnership between ʔaq ̓ am and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) that will create 34 childcare spaces with the funding support of $3.4 million from the provincial and federal governments. A spokesperson with the B.C. Ministry of Infrastructure says the school’s business case has now been “finalized” and ministry staff are working with the Southeast Kootenay School District on next steps. The business case contains three options for the future of the school — a full replacement, a refurbishment and renovation, or expanding other school facilities to accommodate the displaced student body. No timeline for a decision was provided. The school was severely damaged by a roof fire in June 2024, and has been closed ever since. The province previously committed funding in the 2025 budget to address the future of the school once the business case was completed. For a comparison on timelines, a groundbreaking ceremony was recently held on Aug. 24 for a school in Coquitlam that burned down in October 2023. Rough budget options for the Amy Woodland scenario include: Complete Replacement with a Smaller School Footprint This option involves constructing a new facility with reduced capacity (approximately 40 Kindergarten plus 200 primary) compared to the original building (40 Kindergarten plus 325 primary students). The reduced size is a result of anticipated long-term decline in enrolment projections. A new facility would focus on enhanced energy efficiency and inclusive learning spaces tailored to evolving educational needs. A preliminary budget is estimated at $28.3 million. Rebuild of Damaged Areas Including the Gymnasium Structural engineers have confirmed significant damage to the gymnasium, in addition to smoke damage throughout the building. This option would see the damaged portions of the existing building—such as the gym and surrounding infrastructure—completely rebuilt to modern standards while preserving portions of the undamaged structure, where possible. The size of the school would remain at 40 Kindergarten plus 325 primary students. A preliminary budget is estimated at between $27-29 million. Additions at Neighbouring Schools Under this scenario, an analysis will be completed to review expansion of nearby neighbouring schools to accommodate all impacted students. The expansions will be focused on adding onto the existing school’s footprint with permanent structures and will not be portable classrooms. Transportation logistics and catchment considerations will be central to this approach. More information will be shared as the District continues to gather information on this option. A preliminary budget is estimated at $13 million.