With our most recent earthquake in Vancouver on February 21, 2025, with a magnitude of 4.8 (the epicenter was 58 km north-northwest of Vancouver), my curiosity was peeked to learn more about earthquakes in Vancouver and how our schools are being upgraded. In the Kitsilano area I've seen a few schools under seismic upgrading or being completely rebuilt like the Kitsilano Secondary School, Henry Hudson Elementary, and Lord Byng Secondary School.

History

Vancouver's high risk for significant earthquakes is due to its location near the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate. This tectonic activity can generate powerful earthquakes, with a one-in-five chance of a very strong earthquake occurring in the next 50 years - "The Big One." https://604now.com/what-will-happen-to-vancouver-when-the-big-one-hits/

Here's the list of the 9 most significant earthquakes to hit in the Vancouver area taken from this article: https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/history/powerful-earthquakes-vancouver-bc-1944690

  1. January 26, 1700: Cascadia Subduction Zone - Magnitude 9.0
  2. December 15, 1872: Washington/B.C. Border - Magnitude 7.4
  3. December 6, 1918: Vancouver Island - Magnitude 7.0
  4. May 26, 1929: South of Haida Gwaii - Magnitude 7.0
  5. June 23, 1946: Vancouver Island - Magnitude 7.3
  6. August 22, 1949: Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii) - Magnitude 8.1
  7. October 28, 2012: Haida Gwaii - Magnitude 7.7
  8. April 13, 2014: Vancouver Island - Magnitude 6.6
  9. February 21, 2025: Near Vancouver - Magnitude 4.8

Earthquake Preparedness in Vancouver Schools

Overview

Many schools in Vancouver were built before modern seismic standards were established, making them vulnerable to earthquakes. Historically, these schools were not designed to withstand significant seismic activity. The Provincial Seismic Mitigation Program was initiated to address this issue.

Over 200 schools in British Columbia, including many in Vancouver, are still vulnerable to earthquakes and await seismic upgrades.

The seismic preparedness and upgrading of schools in Vancouver involve multiple levels of government:

  • Provincial Government: The Ministry of Education oversees the Seismic Mitigation Program, working with Engineers and Geoscientists BC to assess and address seismic risks.
  • Local Government: The Vancouver School Board (VSB) collaborates with the Vancouver Project Office (VPO) to manage seismic projects efficiently.
  • Federal Government: While the primary responsibility lies with provincial and local governments, federal funding and support are sometimes provided for large-scale infrastructure projects.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/seismic-mitigation

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/seismic-mitigation

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022ECC0095-001855

Budget and Timeline

Since 2017, the provincial government has invested over $325 million in seismic upgrades and replacements for Vancouver schools

The timeline for completing these upgrades has been extended multiple times, with the current goal set for 2030. The Seismic Mitigation Program aims to fast-track projects to ensure all schools are seismically safe as soon as possible. https://www.vsb.bc.ca/page/4949/seismic-mitigation-program

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/seismic-mitigation

Preparedness Measures

Schools in Vancouver follow the All-Hazard Response approach which includes:

Conclusion

The comprehensive efforts by various levels of government and the significant investments in seismic upgrades aim to ensure the safety of students and staff in Vancouver schools. While the timeline for completing all upgrades has been extended, ongoing projects and future plans reflect a strong commitment to earthquake preparedness in the region.

 WBN News - Kitsilano Edition

Karalee Greer - Publisher

Tags: #WBN News - Kitsilano Edition #Karalee Greer #Kitsilano #Kits #Earthquake Preparedness #Vancouver Schools #Seismic Upgrades #BC Schools

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