
A Chilliwack-based architect will design the rebuild of Parkcrest Elementary School in Kamloops.
The Kamloops-Thompson School District says Station One Architects (formerly CHP Architects) was one of eight firms who responded to a request for proposal (RFP) for prime consultants. Station One also designed the Valleyview Secondary expansion project, and its bid was recommended to the Board of Education by Facilities Director Art McDonald.
“The Board is pleased to work on another capital project with the architects that designed the Valleyview Secondary School expansion,” Board Chair Rhonda Kershaw said, in a statement. “The school community engagement process for Valleyview Secondary was inclusive and engaging and we look forward to a similar process in the near future with the Parkcrest School Community.”
Justin Dyck, a partner with Station One, says they’re excited to begin the process to rebuild Parkcrest Elementary School to help realize a vision that the school district has for the Brocklehurst neighbourhood.
“This will be more than a school, it also supports a revitalized and expanding neighbourhood,” Dyck said. “Through our experience, at Valleyview, and throughout the province, we have developed cutting-edge design practices in educational facilities and are keen to explore a design solution that is perfect for Parkcrest.”
In January, the Ministry of Education announced it would be contributing $34.84-million towards the project while the Kamloops-Thompson School District will be adding $300,000. The City of Kamloops has also committed up to $2.5 million for the additional space required for a larger gym and changeroom facilities for community sporting events.
When complete, the new Parkcrest Elementary will have space for 510 students, an increase of 120 students, in anticipation for expected enrolment growth in the community.
Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2022.