On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, two sections of the roof in the permanently closed, unoccupied areas of Lucas Centre experienced localized failures. Out of an abundance of caution, construction fencing has been installed on site. After hours security patrol has been implemented as additional safety measures while the School District develops plans to partially demolish the impacted sections of Lucas Centre.
The School District has engaged an architect, structural and mechanical engineering consultants, and a demolition contractor to assess the failed sections of the building and develop a plan for the partial demolition of the areas that have experienced structural failure. There are currently no future development plans for this site.
FAQ:
What is the current status of SD44's submission to the MECC to fund the partial demolition of the permanently closed sections of the Lucas Centre?
A request to the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MOECC) to fund the demolition project was submitted as part of our 2024/25 Major capital plan submission (reference the June 20, 2023 Board package page 15). In March of 2024 we received our capital plan response letter from the MECC and Lucas Centre partial demolition request was not a supported project.
Why has construction fencing been placed around sections of the Lucas Centre?
Two roof sections in the permanently closed, unoccupied areas of Lucas Centre have experienced localized failures. Out of an abundance of caution, construction fencing has been installed, and an on-site, after-hours security patrol has been implemented as additional safety measures while we develop plans to partially demolish the impacted section of Lucas Centre Building.
What are the next steps?
We have engaged an architect, structural and mechanical engineering consultants, and a demolition contractor to assess the failed sections of the building and quickly develop a plan for the partial demolition of the areas that have experienced structural failure.
We have also reached out to the City of North Vancouver regarding the permitting requirements.
What is the Timing for the development of the plan and demolition work?
We expect to have a project plan completed by mid-July and anticipate that work could take up to three months, depending on permits and resource availability.
What will remain after the partial demolition?
The viable portion of Lucas Centre that serves as our Maintenance Operation Centre will be retained and continue to operate in the same manner.
Will this demolition work impact the future plans for the Lucas Centre site?
There are currently no future development plans for this site. Lucas Centre is a large and well-located property suitable for many potential future uses, including accommodating anticipated growth in enrolment arising from current and planned residential developments comprising the comprehensive redevelopment of Capilano Mall. This site provides strong potential to address future school needs while accommodating modern purpose-built facilities for NVSD's maintenance functions.
