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Parents at Edith Cavell Elementary say money for seismic upgrades should go to building new school

Click to play video: 'Parents accuse province of wasting money on seismic upgrades'
Parents accuse province of wasting money on seismic upgrades
WATCH: A group of Vancouver parents says the provincial government is wasting money by doing seismic upgrades to a nearly 100-year-old school. Catherine Urquhart reports – Nov 12, 2018

On a holiday Monday, kids and parents gathered outside Vancouver’s Edith Cavell Elementary School as they prepare to challenge plans for a seismic upgrade.

Instead, they’re calling for a new school.

“We’re very concerned that the decision-making that has gone on with the VSB [Vancouver School Board] and ministry is short-sighted and not the best use of tax dollars,” Kevin Harris with the school’s parent advisory council, told Global News.
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Sergio Magro/Global News.

Located along the busy Cambie Street corridor, the 98-year-old school is at 120 per cent capacity. Four classes are now in portables.

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WATCH: Seismic upgrade plans leaving B.C. parents frustrated

Click to play video: 'Seismic upgrade plans leaving B.C. parents frustrated'
Seismic upgrade plans leaving B.C. parents frustrated

A seismic upgrade will cost more than $15 million. A new school would cost about $21 million.

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When asked if a new school could be considered, Education Minister Rob Fleming told Global News in a statement that “trustees and VSB administrators are meeting with Cavell Elementary School parents to consider the best options. I look forward to hearing the outcome.”

READ MORE: Two Vancouver schools to be replaced under seismic upgrade program

Harris notes “while it costs more upfront, in the long run it would be much cheaper to have a new building.”

Kids and parents are planning a rally Tuesday and will be at the school board meeting Wednesday to lobby for a new school.

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