A groundbreaking ceremony today marked the beginning of work on an award-winning design for a new $23-million middle school on Heritage Mountain.

The school's unique design was recognized with a 2011 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence and supports BC's Education Plan by providing a modern and innovative learning environment that integrates the natural environment and encourages students to be collaborative and creative.

The new school will accommodate 500 students in grades 6-8 and is expected to open in spring 2014.

The school's location, on a slope above Heritage Woods Secondary school, presented a challenge. However, taking advantage of the steep terrain, architects created a dramatic design which nestles the school into a terraced, natural setting.

The school will be designed and constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard. The school will also meet B.C.'s Wood First Initiative by incorporating wood as much as possible.

The new school will feature a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC) which will bring together community organizations to offer various educational and community services under one roof. The NLC at the school will feature a day care, as well as recreational and community gathering spaces.

Quotes:

Education Minister George Abbott -

"This new school has an award-winning design that will support the creativity and collaboration that is central to BC's Education Plan. In addition, the school will feature a Neighbourhood Learning Centre with a variety of services for local families, including a day care."

Coquitlam board of education chair Melissa Hyndes -

"This much-anticipated new school will be a welcome addition for area families, a dramatic focal point for community programs and activities and an exciting environment in which students can reach their full potential."

Douglas Horne, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain -

"I want to commend the Coquitlam school district, the Village of Anmore and the City of Port Moody for their co-operation in providing the infrastructure to support this important project."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, 24 capital and seismic projects worth more than $97.9 million have been completed in the Coquitlam school district. This includes $27.5 million for Heritage Woods Secondary school, which opened in 2004.
• In addition, the Province has invested more than $9.1 million for additional space for full-day kindergarten in the Coquitlam school district.
• Since 2001, government has spent more than $2.1 billion to complete 93 new and replacement schools, 150 additions, 27 renovations and 22 site acquisitions throughout British Columbia. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.
• Our government is currently working to upgrade, replace and build a total of 60 schools throughout B.C. over the next four years. The total cost of these projects is approximately $1.5 billion.

Learn More:

Heritage Mountain Middle school design: http://www.buntingcoady.com/en/projects/343#1

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963