Questions raised about B.C. school seismic upgrading

Rising construction costs appear to be putting a crimp in provincial government plans to upgrade B.C. schools to withstand the shock of a majorearthquake.

The government is taking a second look at the $1.5-billion project, advertising for engineersto conduct due diligence of its seismic upgrading plans.

Two years ago, Premier Gordon Campbell announced the province would spend the $1.5 billion over 15 years on seismic upgrading on schools most at risk.

However, construction costs have exploded in B.C. since then.

Last month, officials with the Vancouver School Board said they'd have trouble fixing schools on time and on budget.

Now, Education Minister Shirley Bond says the government wants more information on what's possible, starting with six schools in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island.

"It's not a question of whether or not we're going to do the project, it's a question of how we can best do the project. Sometimes the costs, when you look at a renovation, it's almost more cost-effective to build a new building."

Review comes 'late in the game'

A Vancouver community activist who has led the fight to improve seismic safetyof schools questions the timing of the government move.

"I have no problem with the concept of due diligence and I think that's fine, but two years into a commitment seems late in the game to be beginning a due diligence process, and I think it's very important that there be a true strategic plan," said Dr. Tracy Monk of Families for Seismic Safety.

Monk also said she's still waiting to see a co-ordinated plan for the $1.5-billion upgrading.