Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / John Calvin School, an independent school in Yarrow, is in the process of replacing its gymnasium that was built more than a half century ago. It plans to build a new gymnasium because its facility is required to meet current BC building code regulations including earthquake and seismic engineering loads. It will also build a second-storey addition with classrooms. The school enrols 280 students and has approximately 35 staff members.  

By Mike Vanden Bosch

John Calvin School in Yarrow

John Calvin School in Yarrow to replace aging gymnasium, add second-storey addition

Aug 16, 2023 | 10:55 AM

YARROW — John Calvin School, an independent school in Yarrow, is in the process of replacing its gymnasium that was built more than a half century ago.

According to information and documents provided by a City of Chilliwack spokesperson, John Calvin School, located at 4268 Stewart Road in Yarrow, applied for a non-farm use application with the Agricultural Land Commission to replace its aging gymnasium that was built around 1952.

The property at 4268 Stewart Road is located within the Agricultural Land Reserve, but the property was occupied by the school prior to the establishment of the ALC.

The application indicated the existing gymnasium was approximately 70 years old and required replacement to meet current BC building code regulations including earthquake and seismic engineering loads.

The ALC approved the application in May 2022 to replace the gymnasium.

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The building renovation currently under construction will include a new gymnasium of 1,150 m² and a new second-storey addition with classrooms, according to ALC documents. The current gymnasium will be demolished.

The renovation of the school represents an addition to the existing structure and will use an area that is already developed by the school, according to ALC documents.

The city of Chilliwack granted the school building permit number 034300 to build a new gymnasium at 4268 Stewart Road.

The school also owns a parcel of land just south of the property that students currently use as a grass playing field.

According to its website, John Calvin School is a K-7 school that employs approximately 35 staff members. Its current student body of 280 students from grades K-7 accommodates and encourages all learning levels and abilities in its enrolled students, and maintains an effective learning assistance and special education program in addition to its regular curriculum, according to information on its website.