While classrooms may have been quiet over the summer months, schools across Delta were anything but.
As students and school staff enjoyed a well-earned break, the Delta School District Facilities and Maintenance teams entered one of their busiest seasons of the year. With school sites largely unoccupied, crews undertook major renewal projects, critical maintenance work, infrastructure upgrades, and site improvements that would be difficult to complete while schools are in session.
"From roof replacements and accessibility upgrades to drainage repairs, library renovations, HVAC improvements, and parking lot upgrades, each of these projects required careful planning, technical expertise, and coordination with our teams, contractors and suppliers," said Peter Mcloughlin, Director of Facilities and Planning. "The work completed throughout the summer helps create safe, welcoming, comfortable, and well-equipped learning environments for students, staff, and the broader school community."
One of the Facilities Department's -core responsibilities is renewing the district's buildings and infrastructure through ongoing maintenance and capital renewal programs.
At Cliff Drive Elementary, several significant projects were completed, including parking lot and paving upgrades to enhance safety and improve traffic flow, as well as repairs to long-standing storm drainage infrastructure issues. A full roof replacement is also expected to be completed in September.
Additional roof renewal projects were completed at Devon Gardens Elementary, Heath Elementary, and Sunshine Hills Elementary, helping protect them from future weather-related impacts.
Students returning to Richardson Elementary were welcomed into a renovated library designed to improve accessibility, functionality, and flexibility for learning and collaboration. The school also benefited from parking lot and paving improvements that support safer vehicle circulation, improved parking organization, and enhanced pedestrian access.
At Seaquam Secondary, renovations are currently underway in the Life Skills space, creating a more accessible and supportive learning environment tailored to the needs of students.
Several schools also received upgrades to their Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, which monitor and manage heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Upgrades were completed at North Delta Secondary, South Delta Secondary, Gray Elementary, and Neilson Grove Elementary, while work continues at Delta Secondary, Delview Secondary, Brooke Elementary, and Port Guichon Elementary. These improvements will improve the reliability, performance and efficiency of building systems while enhancing the district's ability to monitor and manage equipment remotely.
At Sunshine Hills Elementary, two elevators were successfully renewed as part of the Minor Capital Program, improving accessibility, safety, and reliability for students, staff, and visitors. A new playground is also scheduled for completion in October.
At Sands Secondary, the installation of new rooftop HVAC equipment this month will improve comfort and increase the efficiency of the school's heating and ventilation systems for years to come.
District grounds crews also completed several outdoor improvement projects. At Heath Elementary, overgrown brush and selected trees were cleared to improve sight lines and create a safer, brighter, and more welcoming environment. At Ladner Elementary, work included upgraded drainage infrastructure and the creation of a rock circle and garden area that will provide students with opportunities for outdoor learning and connection with nature.
The district also partnered with the City of Delta on projects that benefit both schools and the broader community, including a new playground component at Annieville Elementary that is targeted for completion in October.
Looking ahead, Facilities and Maintenance staff are already planning the next phase of improvements across the district. Upcoming projects include office renovations, gym HVAC renewals, theatre maintenance upgrades, electrical infrastructure renewals, exterior painting projects, and washroom and changeroom modernization initiatives.
"The scale and complexity of the work completed each summer is a testament to the skill, dedication, and professionalism of the Delta School District Facilities and Maintenance teams," said Peter Mcloughlin. "Whether replacing critical infrastructure, upgrading mechanical systems, improving accessibility, enhancing outdoor spaces, or coordinating major capital projects, much of this work happens behind the scenes. Yet its impact is felt every day by the students, staff, and community members who learn, work, and gather in our schools."
