DESPITE A slight delay in starting the first major construction for West Vancouver School District #45 in 12 years, Bob Young, maintenance superintendent, is still hoping for an end-of-March com- pletion date for Bowen Island Community School renovations. By OLGA RUSKIN Contributi r Construction is scheduled to begin by early November, a little later than originally anticipated. But Young explains that school construction has been affected by the fact ‘“‘that the construction in- dustry is working way beyond its capacity, and it’s difficult to get subtrades to give estimates.’’ As a result, reviewing the tenders has been later than anticipated. But looking ahead, Young is en- thusiastic. ‘it’s going to be ex- citing,” is the way he describes the over $1.5 million expansion to the Bowen Island school. A declining school population over the years has meant little or no new construction in the school district. However, enlarging the Bowen school, part of the West Van School District since July 1, 1987, has become necessary because of the projected rise in enrolment for Bowen elementary students. Grades 7 to 12 students take the bus and ferry to secondary schools in West Vancouver. The projected rise in enrolment for kindergarten to Grade 6 stu- dents goes from a 1989-90 figure of 198 students to 219 in 1990-91 THE KIDS ARE THERE. DRIVE WITH CARE! CICBC "usec owen school construction and 247 by 1993-94. But even with the additional space, ‘‘three years down the road we may be looking at expanding again,’’ Young explains, ‘‘because even after the addition we will have a ministry-rated capacity of 250 students.” In order to accommodate the present enrolment, two portables are in full use, and the library and community-use rooms are used as classrooms. But when the renovations are completed, Bowen Island wil] have some exciting new school design features that will ‘‘really enhance the existing building, making the school very bright and modern,” Young said. The style of the exterior will match the existing style as much as possible, but inside there will be a new look. Young said there will be ‘‘a lot of skylighting to bring light into the halls and gymnasium,’’ some- thing that many new schools have, such as in Alberta. The additional 740 ‘square metres of space to the school is equivalent to 9% classrooms, ‘‘not a small addition,” Young points out. Additional classroom space for primary grades will be in the nor- theast corner of the school, and the western end will house the new multi-purpose room and new ad- ministration office. The school will have a new front entrance, with a skylight over the lobby. To the right of the entrance will be the library, open to view because of window glazing. @ Deer Ridge *:..the Finest project I've worked on,” says Site Superintendent. Deer Ridge construction is in full swing. Exterior structures for both concrete and wood frame dwellings are ready for windows and roofs. Key finishing trades are lined up. And Site Superintendent Sigi Ortman is confident that Phase One will be completed by early May, as scheduled. “Deer Ridge is the finest pro- ject I’ve ever worked on,” says Sigi, who has worked on many of the Buron Company’s award-winning projects. The 13 acre wooded estate on Cypress Bow! Road is unique on the North Shore. Only 75 resi- dences are being built, comprising 20 townhomes and 55 spacious apartments. Each of the develop- ment’s 10 buildings is carefully sited on five acres, leaving a full eight acres of groomed, natural open space for the exclusive enjoy- ment of residents and their families. When residents begin moving in next May, they will find a land- The new computer room will be “very modern and up-to-date, with 30 computer work stations,’ and there will be a room for special education and learning assistance. As well, the entire school will be handicap accessible, equipped {00 per cent with fire sprinklers, and have a bus turn-around outside of the school grounds. 9 - Friday, November 10, 1989 - North Shore News under way = ‘ vee we DESIGN & PRINTING FROM CONCEPT TO FINISHED PRODUCT | Recycled paper availai 2443 Marine Drive. West Vancouver 922-0247 Bowen 947-9745 WE’RE OPEN Saturday, November 1ith REMEMBRANCE DAY from 9:30 am — 5:30 pm for your shopping convenience. 935 Marine Brl f North Van f 980-8561 scaped, parklike setting naturally rich in Douglas fir, hemlock and western red cedar, Landscaping will enhance the wildflowers, berry bushes, and birch trees that thrive on the south-facing slopes over- looking the lake. Now that the Phase One apartment conerete structure is complete, and many of the town- homes framed, visitors can experience the various layouts for themselves. The Deer Ridge show suite will be open for viewing in early January. In the meantime, Sales Coordinator Bonnie Drake is happy to give anyone who asks a guided tour through the homes under con- struction. Bonnie says that visitors enjoy ‘trying on’ an apartment or town- house. The experience of waiking through the large rooms, stepping onto the balconies, and looking out on spectacular English Bay views helps people to imagine life at Deer Ridge. And those who are consider- ing a Deer Ridge townhome have the added enjoyment of customiz- ing over 1100 sq.ft. of additional floor area. “Everybody has a different idea,” says Bonnie. ‘ft might be extra bedrooms and a rec room for visitors and family. Or it might be a billiard room, or workshop and pot- tery studio.” With strong early sales, Bon- nie has found that most people visit Deer Ridve many times, “just to veta feel for it” They're intrigued by the prospect of simplifying: and se Sesnarsgoee setnbinney upgrading their lifestyle, she says. “It seems that having iess space, more view, less main- tenance, and the full range of ultra- modern appliances is a very attrac- tive option. Especially in such a central location.” Asa person who just naturally likes people, Bonnie says the best part of her job is mecting everyone who visits her at the Deer Ridge Information Centre. Daycare Available OPEN: Mon-Wed. & =f Sat. 9:30-6:30pm ; A Thurs-Fri. 9:30-9:00pin | Sun. Noon to 5:00pm “There's a very neighbourly feeling here, especially with so many North Shore residents coming in to have a look at the community's latest development.” Deer Ridge is located on Cypress Bow! Road, off Exit 8, just above the Upper Levels Highway. Open daily (except Friday), 12-5 p.m. For further information, contact Bonnie Drake, 925-2485, paver 725-5010.