LANGFORD (Richa Walia) – As students prepare to head back to class, the Province of British Columbia is opening new schools and expanding existing ones, creating more than 3,000 additional student seats across growing communities this September.
“We’ve been working hard to build and deliver new schools to meet the needs of students now and in the future,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Our historic investments in school infrastructure are already making a meaningful difference, and we look forward to welcoming young learners into new classrooms this fall.”
In Langford, one of B.C.’s fastest-growing cities, the new SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary will welcome students in kindergarten through Grade 5, adding 480 seats. In Trail, the new Glenmerry Elementary has been completed as a full replacement with expanded capacity, increasing total seats from 270 to 435.
Five existing schools are also opening new additions this fall:
Abbotsford: Auguston Traditional Elementary and Margaret Stenerson Elementary (+360 seats)
Delta: Ladner Elementary (+150 seats)
Kelowna: Chief Tomat Elementary (+165 seats)
Richmond: R.C. Talmey Elementary (+150 seats)
Meanwhile, Surrey is adding 700 new seats across Woodland Park, Walnut Road, and Theresa Clarke elementary schools. Langley is also preparing further expansions to keep pace with rapid growth.
Education and Child Care Minister Lisa Beare said creating modern learning spaces is essential to student success. “These investments are making a real difference for families across the province, and we look forward to welcoming students back to another great school year.”
Since 2017, the Province has invested more than $6 billion in school capital projects, creating nearly 43,000 new student seats and more than 39,000 seismically safe spaces.
Community leaders say the new facilities not only address enrolment pressures but also reflect local values. “This school will be a place where students thrive, build friendships and learn while honouring the stories and traditions of this land,” said Camille McFarlane, principal of SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary.
