The Facilities Department is comprised of highly trained and qualified professionals who oversee maintenance, custodial services, planning and construction, and utilities. Together, this dedicated team plays a vital role in supporting a safe, welcoming, and high-quality learning environment for students and staff across the Sooke School District.
Through the delivery of sustainable services and facilities, the department helps students achieve their personal best. Our team is committed to using cost-effective methods, while embracing innovation and best practices in all aspects of our work.
Technology is integrated wherever possible to enhance efficiency, including the use of systems for work order management, task scheduling, system installation and maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Ventilation
All heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the district are operated and maintained to meet their design standards and specifications, ensuring consistent performance and alignment with Occupational Health and Safety and WorkSafeBC requirements.
These systems undergo regular inspections, and any concerns reported by schools or sites are promptly investigated by our Facilities Department.
All mechanical ventilation systems across our schools and facilities are equipped with MERV-13 filters. In addition, we have upgraded our building automation systems to remotely monitor and manage outside air intake, CO₂ levels, and HVAC system performance—allowing for rapid identification and response to any issues.
To further optimize ventilation and air quality, the following enhancements have been implemented district-wide:
Increased the volume and frequency of fresh air exchanges by extending ‘occupied’ building hours;
Reduced the CO₂ set point from 900 ppm to 700 ppm;
Increased the minimum outside air damper position from 10% to 20%.
Community Use of Building and Grounds
We have some resources that outline our policies, regulations, and applicable fees for community use of our schools, grounds, and equipment.
The facilities department currently takes care of:
- 31 Buildings
- 60 Portables
- 1000 Hectares of Grounds & Fields
- 100,000 Square Meters of Space (1,184,030 Sq. Ft.)
- Replacement Cost of over $200 million
- Permanent Capacity for 10,410 Students
Maintenance Services:
- Emergency Repairs – 24 hours per Day
- Day to Day Maintenance Repairs
- Preventive and Seasonal Maintenance
- Improvements and Small Projects (flooring replacement, roof replacement, painting, and duct cleaning)
- In-house Bookings and District Equipment Supply
Custodial Services:
- Providing Custodians who clean all our facilities
- Cleaning to established standards, procedures, using LEED approved supplies and materials