Project Timeline Update

The target completion date of the new New Westminster Secondary School has been extended to May 2020. The three shortlisted design and construction teams are working hard to complete their submissions by November 2017. The selection committee will then review the proposals and recommend a preferred proponent to the School District in November 2017. The successful design will be presented for public comment in early 2018.

 When will the community have an opportunity to provide input?

Previous consultation with the community has informed planning to date and community consultation will continue through all phases of the Project. During Round 1 community consultation which took place from November 7 to December 5, 2016, participants were asked to comment on a series of aspirational statements for our new school. The input was considered, along with technical and financial information, in the development of the Statement of Requirements for our new school. The Consultation Summary Report for Round 1 consultation can be found here.

Round 2 community consultation is being planned now and will take place in early 2018. Students, teachers, parents, and the community will be asked for input on topics related to the design of the new school, as well as construction mitigation measures. Similar to Round 1, this second round of consultation will include a variety of opportunities to participate and provide feedback online, in person and by mail. Participants will be invited to complete a feedback form online or in hard copy, submit written submissions by email or mail and attend consultation meetings. Details about meeting dates, locations, and online opportunities will be provided as soon as they are available.

We continue to engage with First Nations communities, the Chinese Benevolent Association, the Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council, Inclusion BC, and other organizations that represent communities with a history or potential history of ancestral burials on the site. A Memorialization Advisory Committee (MAC) has been struck and held an initial meeting on June 12, 2017 to consider how best to memorialize the dedicated and protected areas of the site that are known to have been used for burials. We will provide updates to the community as the planning progresses on this component of the development.

Contact: New Westminster School District

newnwss@sd40.bc.ca

604-517-6240

Archaeological Impact Assessment Interim Report Now Available

June 16, 2017 – The Province and the New Westminster School District have committed that no construction for the new NWSS Project will take place on any known burial area. To confirm areas available for construction, Golder Associates, on behalf of the School District, conducted a heritage investigation and archaeological impact assessment of the project site to determine buildable locations for the new school.

Based on both previous and our most recent studies, we are satisfied that there are no known burial areas in the anticipated location of the new school. Similarly, research also confirmed potential buildable locations in the area reviewed next to the anticipated location of the new school for uses such as parking, a maintenance building and playing fields.

Heritage management and archaeological monitoring procedures will remain in place throughout the development of the new school to ensure the proper preservation and management of any discovered archaeological materials.

2016 Heritage Investigation Results

Field investigations in and adjacent to the anticipated location of the new school, led by Golder Associates archaeologists, did not identify any burial areas or historic materials and features associated with past cemetery use.

Archaeological impact assessment activities took place on site between November 14 and December 13, 2016. Field investigations included the monitoring of geotechnical and geo-environmental boreholes located within and immediately adjacent to the archaeological site as well as mechanical testing of potential geophysical anomalies identified in an earlier study conducted from July 13 to August 23, 2016. The purpose of this second phase of work in late 2016 was to determine and locate the presence of any burial areas or historical artifacts.

Golder Associates has developed an interim report which details their archaeological impact assessment work and findings. Heritage investigations of the previously identified locations determined that the geophysical anomalies were typically objects such as boulders, tree stumps, metal objects, historical artifacts and past construction debris. These results are detailed in the report.

Given the historical cemetery use on the site and the large number of cultural groups and organizations associated with the site, the Heritage Conservation Act permit application was distributed widely to groups with an identified historical link to the site. Golder also applied for four First Nations heritage investigation permits, and representatives from First Nations groups also participated in the field work activities.

As committed, other areas of the site previously confirmed as being associated with past cemetery use will be memorialized through a passive park and memorial area. The Memorialization Advisory Committee will be engaged in determining how best to memorialize these dedicated and protected areas of the site.

Please see the NWSS site map attached to this email. For more information about the Project, visit http://www.newnwss.ca.

Contact: New Westminster School District

newnwss@sd40.bc.ca.

604-517-6240

Step inside and tour 12 exquisite homes spanning seven decades of heritage artistry blended with modern day living. Featured homes include a mid-century modern stunner, an Edwardian tour favourite, a Georgian Revival beauty and a handsome house with English Arts and Crafts influences. Updated kitchens and beautiful gardens await to help  you with your own décor ideas!

We have 11 wonderful houses on tour. Plus Irving House where lots of exciting things are happening. (Exterior paint job…) A lovely mix of homes spread out over the city. From Moody Park to Victory Heights.

Including:

A stunning Sapperton mid-century modern. (A G. Douglas Wylie house.)

1954 Victory Heights house with a fabulous renovation and an “intriguing” addition!

1940 small Glenbrooke house that would have been demolished anywhere else but whose owners made it work for their family’s needs with a subtle addition.

1912  Handsome Arts and Crafts House with a vintage twist—blends owner’s love of mid-century modern with a craftsman sensibility.

1926 Galbraith House—Georgian Revival with amazing stained glass.

1905 JJ. Johnston’s  Edwardian mansion with an extensive backyard makeover.

1906 Capt. W. H. Philpott House that has seen major interior updates.

1910 Chappell house.  Its popular design is evident throughout the lower mainland. Previously on tour with dark rich colours and wallpaper. It returns to the Tour with a brand new kitchen reno and new subtle paint hues.

1910 an adorable  Moody Park house with Arts and Crafts influences. A lovely home where every inch counts.

A 1949 Victory Heights house where the love of wood meets the perfect blend of whimsy and wit.

AND the H.L. Edmonds House at 443 Fifth Street.  A house rich in pedigree and heritage ideas.

Archaeological Investigation Confirms Potential Buildable Locations for New NWSS

May 11, 2017 – The Province and the New Westminster School District have committed that no construction for the new NWSS Project will take place on any known burial area. To confirm areas available for construction, Golder Associates, on behalf of the School District, conducted a heritage investigation and archaeological impact assessment of the project site to determine buildable locations for the new school.

Based on both previous and our most recent studies, we are satisfied that there are no known burial areas in the location of the new school. Similarly, research also confirmed the area reviewed next to the location of the new school could be developed for uses such as parking, a maintenance building and playing fields.

Heritage management and archaeological monitoring will continue during the development of the new secondary school to ensure the proper preservation and management of any discovered archaeological materials.

As committed, other areas of the site previously confirmed as being associated with past cemetery use will be memorialized through a passive park and memorial area. The Memorialization Advisory Committee will be engaged in determining how best to memorialize these dedicated and protected areas of the site.

The full Archaeological Impact Assessment Interim Report will be made available, once the formal review process has been completed with identified First Nations groups and the Archaeology Branch. We anticipate the report will be available this summer.

Please see the NWSS sitemap attached to this email. For more information about the Project, visit www.newnwss.ca.

Contact: New Westminster School District

info@sd40.bc.ca

604-517-6240

Show Your Support – Queens Park HCA

Heritage Conservation Area Information