A "high-risk" elementary school in Richmond is one of 45 in B.C. to benefit from the provincial government's $584-million seismic upgrade package.
After being deemed last year as a "high-risk" in the event of an earthquake, James Gilmore elementary - parts of which are almost 50 years old - is now likely to be completely rebuilt at a cost of around $14 million.
However, it looks unlikely that anything will happen until well into next year as plans are at a very early stage.
"We're waiting for more details to come through, but our staff have been working with the (education) ministry on this for some time," said a delighted school district chair, Donna Sargent.
"The age and state of the building dictates that it doesn't make any sense to put money into it.
"This replacement was in our five-year capital plan and we're obviously very pleased to hear this announcement as Gilmore was number one on our list."
Sargent said it was too early to say when work was likely to start or what will happen to the 380 students during any construction phase at the school near No. 1 and Francis roads.
Premier Christy Clark announced Monday funding of more than $584 million to seismically upgrade 45 high-risk schools across B.C.
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