Cedar Hill Middle School Receives Last-Minute Occupancy Permit

Hundreds of students at Cedar Hill Middle School in Saanich, British Columbia, began their school year outside on September 5, 2023, due to delays in securing a necessary occupancy permit for the new building. On the first day, students and staff were unable to enter the school as inspectors had not confirmed that it met safety standards. Instead, teachers conducted assemblies in the schoolyard, providing students with initial guidance before sending them home early.

The situation was described as unusual by the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association (GVTA), which emphasized that while shortened school days are common, being outside for the entire duration is not typical. “I understand that families really want their kids back at school, but I think we want kids back at school when everything is ready for them,” stated GVTA President Carolyn Howe in an interview with CTV News.

Later that same day, the Greater Victoria School District (SD61) announced via email that Cedar Hill Middle School had been granted a conditional occupancy permit. Such permits allow schools to open even if they are not fully completed, provided they comply with essential safety requirements. Students were set to enter the building for the first time on September 6, while staff gained access around noon, giving them limited time to prepare classrooms.

“Teachers are really frantic at this point,” Howe remarked. “Teachers are going to be there late tonight and early tomorrow morning trying to get things as ready as they can.”

The delayed opening of Cedar Hill Middle School was attributed to construction issues related to safety and accessibility, although the district did not disclose further details. Most students in British Columbia returned to school on September 5, but Cedar Hill’s start was postponed, causing concern for both educators and parents. Howe suggested that an additional day would have been beneficial for teachers to organize their new classrooms effectively.

Parents expressed gratitude for the advance notice regarding the delayed start but had hoped for a smoother opening. The situation has raised questions about the readiness of new educational facilities and the impact on both staff and students as the school year begins.