Project Highlight: Quw’utsun Secondary School
With any new school project, the little details matter, and having an experienced AV partner can make all the difference. When the new Quw'utsun Secondary School was being built in Duncan, BC, the goal was to create a facility that could support students, staff, and the surrounding community for years to come.
That's why the Cowichan Valley School District chose Evolution AV. With decades of experience delivering AV solutions for educational environments, our team was trusted to design and integrate systems would support everything from daily classes and assemblies to sporting events and community gatherings.
Delivering a High-Performance Gymnasium AV System
The primary focus of the project was the school's large multi-purpose gymnasium. Working within the previously established specifications, our team focused on integrating technology that would complement the space and provide reliable performance, intuitive controls, and the flexibility needed to support a wide range of activities.
The completed system included:
Two large-format LED video walls positioned on either side of the divider that can be used as both a scoreboard and presentation display
A high-output Biamp Community sound system with 12 three-way loudspeakers and four 15-inch subwoofers for improved audio coverage and low-frequency performance
Crestron control technology for centralized system management
Input locations on three walls for maximum presentation flexibility
Integrated custom scoreboard software that can be accessed by both staff and students with a designated tablet
Bluetooth audio capabilities for easy connection for staff and students
School gymnasiums need to support a wide range of activities, including assemblies, ceremonies, performances, community events, and sports competitions. A reliable AV system helps ensure everyone in the space can see, hear, and engage with what is happening, no matter how the gym is being used.
By combining professional audio, large-format displays, centralized control, and input access throughout the gym, the system gives staff the flexibility to manage different types of events with minimal setup and greater confidence.
The result is a dependable, user-friendly system that supports daily operation while remaining accessible to staff and students with varying levels of technical experience.
Enhancing the Gathering Place
The project included work within an purposefully designed, community-focused room called The Gathering Place. Designed to reference the historical importance of a traditional Quw’utsun Bighouse, its centralized location serves as an inclusive space for connection, respect, and cultural significance.
Unlike the gym, this portion involved more than installing new technology. The school had envisioned the space to serve as both an educational and community hub, but the existing AV equipment was not meeting the needs of its participants.
Our team focused on identifying performance and usability challenges within the space. With some fine-tuning, system adjustments, and additional programming, we were able to improve the functionality of the technology and overall experience for those using it.
In addition to optimizing the existing system, Bose loudspeakers were installed throughout the space to improve the audio coverage and clarity. This ensures presentations, meetings, and events can be heard clearly throughout the room.
The result is a more functional and reliable space that better supports the school's vision of creating meaningful connections between students, educators, Indigenous communities, and local organizations.
Prioritizing Training and Long-Term Success
Technology is only effective when people feel confident using it. That’s why it was a priority for both Evolution AV and the school district to ensure staff were given hands-on training, helping them become familiar with the AV equipment so they could operate it confidently from day one.
Our support continued beyond installation. Leading up to the grand opening, our team responded to last-minute programming adjustments and change requests, stepping in to resolve issues with existing equipment and ensure the system as a whole performed the way it was meant to.
As the school year progressed, we continued to support staff by fine-tuning the system and making adjustments based on how the space was used day to day.
Delivering More Than an Installation
Quw'utsun Secondary School demonstrates how thoughtfully integrated AV technology can support far more than presentations and announcements. From improving communication during assemblies and sporting events to creating more engaging spaces for learning and community connection, the right technology helps schools maximize the value of every space they create.
As educational facilities continue to evolve, reliable and user-friendly AV systems will play an increasingly important role in supporting students, staff, and the communities they serve.
