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 was installed on site. After-hours security patrol was implemented as an additional safety measures while the North Vancouver 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 the School District's submission to the Ministry of Education and Child Care to fund the partial demolition of the permanently closed sections of Lucas Centre?
A request to the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MOECC) to fund the demolition project was submitted as part of the North Vancouver School District's 2024/25 Major capital plan submission (reference the June 20, 2023 Board package, page 15). In March 2024, the school district received a capital plan response letter from the MOECC and the Lucas Centre partial demolition request was not a supported project.
Why has construction fencing been placed around sections of Lucas Centre?
Two roof sections in the permanently closed, unoccupied areas of Lucas Centre experienced localized failures. Out of an abundance of caution, construction fencing was installed, and an on-site and after-hours security patrol was implemented as additional safety measures while the school district develops plans to partially demolish the impacted section of the building.
What are the next steps?
The School District has engaged an architect engineering consultants and a demolition contractor who have assessed the failed sections of the building and have developed a plan for the partial demolition of the areas that have experienced structural failure. A permit application for the demolition work has been submitted to the City of North Vancouver and we anticipate receiving permit approval in October 2024.
Who will be performing the demolition work?
The work must be undertaken by a licensed demolition contractor. The school district has engaged an architect and team of engineering professionals to oversee the work and engaged Dallas Watt Demo Ltd., a licensed demolition contractor, to act as our prime contractor.
What are the requirements for a demolition permit?
The City of North Vancouvers (CNV) permit application process for demolition work is extensive covering numerous requirements including erosion and sediment control plan, traffic management plan, site disclosure statement, construction fire safety plan, waste recycling, pest control plan, WorkSafeBC notice of project, and hazardous materials survey. The complete requirement checklist for commercial sites can be found on the CNV Demolition Permits web page. Prior to work proceeding on the site, the licensed contractor must complete a site safety inspection performed by a CNV building inspector. Once work is underway, the licensed demolition contractor must strictly comply with the requirements of the Occupation Health and Safety regulations under the inspection jurisdiction of WorkSafeBC.
The school district also follows the recommendations of the CNV Good Neighbour Program.
What is the project timeline?
We expect to receive permit approval in late October 2024. Following the issuance of a permit by the City of North Vancouver, demolition contractor Dallas Watt Demo Ltd. will quickly mobilize on site and begin work. We expect the work to take three to four months completing in early 2025.
What will remain after the partial demolition?
The viable portion of Lucas Centre building that serves as the school district's Maintenance Operation Centre will be retained and continue to operate in the same manner.
Will any trees be affected by the work?
Site trees have been inspected by a certified arborist and tree protection measures required by CNV permit will be installed prior to commencing work. All effort to protect and retain trees will be undertaken where feasible.
Will the demolition work effect community access to the CNV gravel fields and NVSD grass field?
Access to the Heywood Gravel Field, parking lot, and the grass field will not be impacted by the demolition work. Access for community and school use will be maintained for the duration of the project.
Will this demolition work impact the future at the Lucas Centre site?
There are currently no future development plans for this site and it will continue to serve as the school district’s Maintenance Operations Centre both during and after the demolition work has been completed. 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 the school district's maintenance functions.
Will traffic in the community be affected by the project?
We do not anticipate any impacts to local traffic or street parking; however, if any limitations are required, proper City of North Vancouver permit and approval processes will be followed. The project site will accommodate all vehicle parking for contractors working on the project. The contractor has also developed a 
Traffic Management Plan that is required as part of the permitting process to control construction vehicles travelling through and around the work zone and protect pedestrians and cyclists in the community.
