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A new outdoor learning area may soon be available to kids in Valleycliffe. 

The Sea to Sky School District has conditionally passed the construction of an outdoor shelter at Squamish's Valleycliffe Elementary School.

The Valleycliffe Parent Advisory Council (PAC) presented a plan for an outdoor shelter to the school board in its public meeting on Feb. 8. In the presentation, the PAC outlined that they hope the structure would have a permeable surface, no walls, fit about 30 to 35 people and have benches for seating.

The tentative location would be near the area where they already have established a gathering circle for outdoor activities and learning.

“I think would be an amazing addition because it rains a little bit at Valleycliffe,” Valleycliffe Elementary principal, Shaun Jakob, joked at the meeting.

On a more serious note, Jakob continued, “It's also going to enhance the school improvement plan that we're working on.”

The PAC said they believed the covered space would be helpful for all types of learning but especially helpful when ߣÄÌÉçÇøClimate Action Network at the ߣÄÌÉçÇøRiver Watershed Society did lessons at the school.

Part of the reason for the presentation happening now is that the PAC would hope to piggyback onto the archeological field review that is upcoming for the childcare space in early March. This would help save some money for the project, which is primarily being funded by the PAC, grants and fundraisers.

The childcare space at Valleycliffe is a municipal-owned space in partnership with SD48 and Sea to Sky Community Services, which is by the fall.

The conditional pass by the school board means that SD48 staff will need to meet with the PAC further to make sure everything is in order and all questions are answered prior to the construction of the structure. But, the project was well-received by SD48 staff and school board trustees alike.

“From the district staff perspective, we're really impressed by your preparation. You've clearly put a lot of time and effort into this,” said Supt. Chris Nicholson.

For more information about the project, view the at approximately the 8:50 mark.