A new addition at Edgehill Elementary School will result in more seats for students in qathet School District (qSD).
According to a media release from the provincial ministry of education and child care, through $16.5 million in provincial funding and $250,000 from qSD, the addition and renovations will add five classrooms, opening up 120 new elementary spaces for students at Edgehill. The classrooms also include sustainable and energy-efficient designs that align with the province’s CleanBC emissions-reduction goals.
A new multipurpose room, a media-technology room, dedicated learning spaces for students with disabilities or diverse abilities, and the new classrooms are expected to be ready for students by spring 2026.
“These capital upgrades and additions have been a priority for our district for some time and we are thrilled about the province’s support,” stated Jaclyn Miller, qSD board chair. “Our community is growing and these funds are significant to enhance not only the capacity at Edgehill, but also the school environment at many schools, and we are looking forward to the positive impact this will have on our students and staff.”
Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons stated that he is pleased to announce the community will soon benefit from new classrooms that will serve students in this area for decades to come.
“Our government will continue to build and enhance schools in the qathet School District and throughout BC to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive and grow,” stated Simons.
As many more people make British Columbia their home, the provincial government continues to build, expand and upgrade schools throughout the province, stated Rachna Singh, minister of education and child care.
“This expansion will ensure more students in Powell River have access to a safe, modern, quality learning environment that is close to home,” added Singh.
To further support safe, upgraded learning environments for students, the province is also providing qSD with more than $2.1 million for minor facility projects. As part of this funding, Henderson Elementary School will receive heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system upgrades for this year. The funding also supports energy saving upgrades at Henderson Elementary, James Thomson Elementary, Kelly Creek Community School and Texada Elementary School.
Since September 2017, the BC government has provided more than $4 billion for new and improved schools, and land purchases for future schools throughout the province, the release stated. This has resulted in more than 25,000 new student spaces and more than 35,000 seismically safe seats at BC schools, according to the release.
Budget 2024 includes $3.75 billion for school capital projects over the next three years, including new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades and replacements, and land purchases for future schools, the release stated.
Join the Peak's email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
