Southern Okanagan Secondary School

Southern Okanagan Secondary (formerly Southern Okanagan High School) is a public high school in Oliver, British Columbia (part of School District 53 Okanagan Similkameen). On September 12, 2011 the majority of the school was engulfed in flames. The facility was under a multimillion-dollar renovation project at the time. Most of the original school was completely destroyed in the fire. The Frank Venables Auditorium was also destroyed in early morning fire. The fire was under investigation by the R.C.M.P. but details have not been publicly released. It is believed to be arson. The Southern Okanagan Secondary School was a rare Streamline Moderne design. It opened its doors in October 1948. The first principal was Mr. C. Ritchie. The BC government contributed $19.5 million to the rebuilding of the new school. Construction began Spring 2012. A grand opening for the new school was held on February 6, 2014 and showcased the new Frank Venables Theatre.