Hockey’s back
Catch up on all the local action in our annual look at hockey in the Capital Region. Pages A13-16
OAK BAYNEWS Wednesday, October 9, 2013
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BY19 vicnews.com
‘Pie in the sky’ plan goes back to drawing board Christopher Sun News staff
There is unease among Oak Bay High school redevelopment stakeholders after school officials withheld sharing their preliminary blueprints until changes are made, blaming architects for being “too pie in the sky.” However, that explanation alarmed district council at a special committee meeting on Sept. 25. They are concerned that changes are being made by the school unilaterally, instead of collaboratively. “(We) want to have the opportunity to edit before raising angst to council when we can solve the problem before coming to Nils Jensen the table so you don’t think we haven’t responded,” said Oak Bay High school principal Dave Thomson, defending why he didn’t present any current site plans. “We have to ring in the architects. With architects, there is a certain amount of creativity that (they) put in. But from a school perspective, it doesn’t work.” Thomson didn’t offer any details, but tried extinguishing concerns by saying a presentable preliminary design will be available for sharing in two weeks. Victoria school district’s building projects supervisor Jim Soles also defended not showing the current, preliminary design to council. “It was the first cut from the review and it seemed too inappropriate to have too many eyes on that paper,” Soles said. “There is a statement of requirements and it is our intention to include everything the municipality wanted.” However, attempts to ease concerns about the $52.5 million project didn’t go over well with all. “How do you edit without the consultation?” asked Coun. Cairine Green. “How do you know the changes you are making are congruent with the municipality?” PleAse see: Expectations high for new school, Page A22
William Shepherd/News staff
A record raised Oak Bay High students, teachers and Tour de Rock riders, celebrate the grand total of $56,118, raised by Oak Bay High students, revealed last Thursday as part of the celebration of the Tour de Rock riders returning from their two week journey down Vancouver Island. See the story on page A9.
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