A just-signed $22.8-million project agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) lays the groundwork for a replacement for École des Pionniers in Port Coquitlam.

This project is part of the Province's continuing commitment to student safety through the Seismic Mitigation Program. Given the age and overall condition of the school, it was determined that replacement on the same site as the existing facility with a smaller, purpose-built school was the most appropriate solution. Enrolment at École des Pionniers as of September 2012 was 395 K-12 students.

The CSF will continue planning and design on this project with construction expected to begin in spring 2014 and an anticipated completion date of fall 2015. The new school will have an onsite Neighbourhood Learning Centre providing a variety of programs and services to be determined through community consultation.

As part of its curriculum, the school has introduced an International Baccalaureate program and offers a wide variety of electives in arts, athletics, and skills and trades.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"The Conseil scolaire francophone is a vital part of our public education system and we are working to ensure that all new schools are safe, comfortable and environmentally-friendly and feature programs and services for the whole community."

Roger Hébert, president of the Board of Regional Trustees of the Conseil scolaire francophone

"It is urgent to provide the francophone students of this province with safe and adequate infrastructures and school premises for their education. We know that much remains to be done for a number of other francophone schools, but today, we are collectively very pleased with this excellent news."

Quick Facts:

• All francophone schools in B.C. are part of the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF).
• Since its inception in 1995, the CSF has offered programs and educational services enhancing the full development and cultural identity of francophone learners in the province.
• About 4,800 students attend 37 CSF schools - 24 of which are standalone - around the province.
• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $111.3 million on capital and seismic projects for the CSF.
• Since 2001, the government has spent more than $2.4 billion to complete 96 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 25 site acquisitions throughout B.C.

Learn More:

BC's Education Plan: http://WWW.BCEDPLAN.CA

Conseil scolaire francophone: http://www.csf.bc.ca/

École des Pionniers site: http://pionniers.csf.bc.ca/

Media Contact:

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