As the new school year gets underway, work continues throughout the building on the Modernization and Right-sizing project.

With students and staff now settling into the school year, we wanted to provide an update on the progress being made across the school, including areas that are now ready for use, work that is nearing completion and what’s coming next.

Some completion dates have shifted from earlier expectations as work has progressed, while other areas are now ready for students and staff. We will continue to share updates as spaces are completed and ready for use.

Junior High Wing

Students and teachers are expected to move into the refurbished junior high hallway within the next week. New classroom furniture has been assembled and placed in all five classrooms.

The junior high washrooms are also back in use, with only a few small finishing details remaining.

The hallway connecting the refurbished classrooms with what was formerly the Grade 7 wing has reopened. This means students and staff can remain indoors to reach all areas of the building.

Student Services

Renovation of the Student Services offices is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

Once complete, the renovated offices will provide space for the school’s Wellness Coaches, School Family Advocate and School Resources Officer.

East Gym and Change Rooms

Work continues on the enlarged East Gym, with the space now anticipated to be ready toward the beginning of October.

Remaining work includes flooring, graphics and installation of the curtain that will separate the two sides of the enlarged gymnasium. The new change rooms are also expected to be completed as part of this work.

Career and Technology Studies

Modernization and refurbishment of several Career and Technology Studies (CTS) labs is ongoing.

The Automotive and Mechanics lab is expected to be turned over to the school at the end of September.

The senior high Woods & Construction and Welding & Fabrication labs are scheduled for completion later in the school year. No classes are scheduled in these spaces until the next school year, allowing the work to continue without affecting this year’s scheduled classes.

Phase 2 is underway

Phase 2 of the BCHS modernization and Right-sizing project began at the end of June 2026.

Work on the Centre Gym is underway, including demolition of the stage and preparation of the basement beneath it to house machinery being consolidated from other areas of the school. When complete, the Centre Gym will be significantly longer, providing additional space for physical education.

The Fit Pit, or weight room, originally planned as part of Phase 1, has been moved into Phase 2. Construction materials for the Centre Gym need to move through this area, making the change in phasing necessary. Completion of the Centre Gym and Fit Pit is expected toward the end of semester 1.

The new cafeteria has been moved to Phase 3. This change will allow several hundred meals to continue being served daily while maintaining convenient access to the cafeteria for students and staff.

Phase 3 is also scheduled to include renovation of the centre hallway, expansion of the graphic arts and photography lab, and construction of the new library and student commons. Classes currently located in the centre hallway have been relocated to what was formerly the Grade 7 wing in anticipation of construction beginning in that area around the end of Semester 1.

Work continues throughout the building

In addition to the work associated with each phase, construction teams have continued working on various areas of the school’s roof, as well as insulation and cladding around the building’s foundation.

Excessive rain this summer has created challenges in some areas, slowing work and causing damage that has required additional repairs. Leaks in the school’s Band Room have resulted in some classes being temporarily relocated. Classrooms in the vacated centre hallway will also be used for the next few months while cleaning and repairs are completed.

Looking ahead

There is still significant work ahead, but progress is becoming increasingly visible throughout BCHS. The renovated classrooms, junior high hallway and washrooms are already giving students and staff a glimpse of the improvements underway, while work continues on the larger spaces that will transform how the school is used.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of students, families, and staff as the modernization project continues. We look forward to sharing further updates as more spaces are completed and ready for use.