The Campbell River School District is stepping up pressure on the provincial government over ongoing delays tied to restoration work at Carihi Secondary following the November 2024 fire.

During Tuesday’s public board meeting, trustees voiced frustration over how long it has taken for the Ministry of Infrastructure to approve the major restoration project, saying students, staff and families have now spent more than a year dealing with disrupted learning spaces.

Board Chair Craig Gillis told trustees he recently spoke directly with Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma about the issue.

Gillis says the minister acknowledged the delays and indicated she would prioritize the project, but trustees say no further action has been confirmed since that conversation.

Superintendent Geoff Manning told the board the district has followed all required ministry processes and timelines, including working with an experienced consultant on the project submission.

However, Manning says the district continued receiving requests for more information beyond the original requirements.

Trustees heard the district has now responded to 16 separate requests connected to the project definition report.

The Board of Education unanimously passed a motion directing Gillis to send a formal advocacy letter to the Ministry of Infrastructure, with a copy to the Ministry of Education and Child Care, calling for immediate action on the project.

Trustees also thanked the Carihi Parent Advisory Council for its recent public advocacy efforts and petition pushing for faster progress on the restoration work.

Highlights from the May 5, 2026 public meeting of the Board of Education can be found at Campbell River School District 72.