A Vancouver elementary school has been forced to close for at least a couple of months due to flooding.
Following record-breaking cold Vancouver weather during a couple of winter storms, some water pipes at Sir James Douglas Elementary School "froze, burst, and flooded the school," resulting in significant damage, according to the Vancouver School Board (VSB).
"The restoration company estimates at least a couple of months of repairs before students and staff can safely occupy the building again," the VSB told Vancouver Is Awesome in an emailed statement.
Families and the school staff were told about the flooding on Tuesday (Dec. 28). The administration team and school district staff are working to find an alternative place for students to attend classes in the new year but there are "complexities to consider," added the VSB.
The VSB anticipates a "slightly delayed" 2023 start to school until they find a suitable alternative.
"The District recognizes this extenuating circumstance is challenging for staff, students and families. It is our top priority to get the Douglas school community settled into a temporary school location as quickly as possible."
#bced Massive flood (pipes burst) at my daughter’s VSB school in Vancouver means no safe occupancy for possibly months! Here’s hoping initial projections not as bad as feared. Feel terrible for staff and ~500 students.
— Francoise Raunet (@FrancoiseRaunet) December 28, 2022
Further details will be shared with the school community as soon as they are available.
