Access to materials and equipment have slowed the opening of the new secondary school in the Stz’uminus First Nation on Shell Beach Road.
Chris Erb, with SupErb Construction, said they are shooting to have the school complete for November 1.
While there is still work to be done around the new $7.6 million, 35,000 sq-ft. school, waiting has been the hardest part.
“The biggest things were waiting for equipment coming from different manufacturers,” said Erb while visiting the site.
One example is the heat pump, a piece for which they’ve been waiting six and a half months.
“Which is ridiculous as far as I’m concerned,” said Erb.
The poor economy of late and layoffs could be the reason, he said, as many of the released workers were not brought back.
It’s a problem he’s been experiencing at many of his projects.
“It is hard to get products nowadays. It’s a nightmare.”
Erb’s crew was recently working on parking and will be moving to landscaping soon. Other work needed inside is the installation of light fixtures, some panelling and the gym floor and basketball hoops.
“It’s getting closer all the time.”
Erb said this is his first school of this size and noted there are not a whole lot of new schools being built these days as enrolment in many districts is dropping.
Erb praised the features in the school.
“It’s got a very nice library in it, a nice multi-purpose area. It’s got a really nice covered outdoor basketball area.”
There is also a green roof complete with plants and a giant Stz’uminus logo is to be painted in the multi-purpose area.