Madeira Park Elementary Project

Excerpt from the April 8th, 2026 SECRETARY-TREASURER’S REPORT Submitted by Secretary-Treasurer Nicholas Weswick

The following provides a summary of recent updates related to the Madeira Park Elementary projects. Updates on the Childcare Facility, Community Portable Replacement, and Field Drainage Remediation and Site Upgrades were also shared at the February Madeira Park Elementary School (MPES) and Pender Harbour Secondary School PAC meetings.

The project is nearing readiness to move into the construction phase, with pre-construction requirements largely complete. Additional archaeological and environmental testing has been undertaken, and required permits are progressing through the review process. Remaining pre-construction activities are nearing completion, budget capacity for the Childcare project and, with the recent capital funding announcement, full funding for the site drainage improvements has been confirmed.

Several factors have influenced the project schedule, including construction timing windows related to the fish-bearing stream, parking variance and permitting timelines, additional archaeological and environmental requirements, and coordination of construction activities to minimize impacts on school operations. Once regulatory steps and permits are complete, the contractor anticipates being
able to begin the construction phase this Spring. The timeline reflects a best-case scenario and remains subject to change, depending on permitting and other factors related to the construction process.

Phase 1 (Spring 2026)
• Mobilization
• Partial site closure
• Excavation and service tie-ins
• Removal of the community building
• Foundations for childcare building
• Community building replacement and commissioning

Phase 2 (July 2026)
• Full site closure for major earth works
• Septic system replacement
• Culvert replacement
• Drainage upgrades
• Playground upgrades
• Childcare construction begins

Phase 4 (Fall/Winter 2026)
• Play structures open once installation complete
• Childcare construction continues
• Field to remain closed until grass is ready for use
• Site upgrades continue

Phase 5 (Winter/Spring 2027)
• Childcare construction continues

Community Engagement and Approvals

At a recent SCRD Electoral Area Services Committee meeting, our development variance permit application to support the replacement of the community portable and construction of a new child care facility was considered. The application related to variances to reduce off-street parking requirements and parking setbacks, including reducing required parking for the replacement portable from 19 spaces to 0, and to permit additional parking required for the child care facility on the Lagoon Rd. right-of-way, pending Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) approval. The application also requested permission to reduce the parking setback from 7.5 metres to 0 metres if MOTT approval is not received. These requested variances reflect site constraints and the need to preserve existing playfield and playground space. The Committee received supportive comments with no opposition, and the vote was unanimous to recommend that the variance be approved.

Project Communication

The School District will continue to work closely with the school to provide support during construction and to minimize operational impacts, where possible. Ongoing communication will be shared with the learning community through the school. We appreciate the patience, cooperation, and attention to safety from the community as this work progresses.