Dear Editor:
Re: Stop gambling with kids’ lives and upgrade schools, Burnaby NOW, Inbox, Oct. 11. In my opinion, Kristoffer Palma has it exactly right. To his comments, I would add that when the NDP came into power, they shed light on how the Liberals had deliberately misled the public on what was going on with structure remediation in our schools with regards to earthquakes. I just wish they had been factually candid in the true status of upgrades to our schools. Yes, it will be extremely expensive to remediate, and it will take time. I hope that Mr. Palma’s observations to the municipality will be heard in city hall, and the more serious situations addressed.
I wrote to B.C.’s Risk Management Branch a few years ago, suggesting that what they teach students in schools to do if an earthquake hits may not necessarily be the best, or only, way of protecting themselves. I am now a retired commercial insurance broker, but in the last 10 years of my career, I counselled my clients to research the controversial “Triangle of Life” formulated by Doug Copps. The Risk Management Branch dismissed my comments entirely, and what the NDP revealed was happening in school remediation would seem to indicate my concerns were entirely justified.
There may, indeed, be some schools where exploring the Triangle of Life theory would make good alternate sense. I understand the issue is contentious, and there may be no ultimate “best practice,” but I for one will react accordingly should a major quake affect this area.
Anyone considering this aspect should also go research what B.C. Building Codes have done in recent years – since 2007 – at which point they will understand what structural integrity could mean for buildings over 10 years old.
Parents, do your research, and engage your community members and schools in discussion. Perhaps then we’ll see some progress?
Nick Batistic, Burnaby
