School may be out for the summer but construction work on Surrey school projects is full speed ahead. Five projects totalling nearly $59 million are under construction and when completed will create 1,840 new, much-needed student spaces for fast-growing communities in the district.

While enrolment in almost every district in the province has declined, Surrey's student population has grown from 58,648 students in 2001 to 67,436 this year, an increase of 13 per cent.

Goldstone Park Elementary is being built in the South Newton area. The basic structure is up, and right now construction workers are installing the roof. Completion is expected this December with capacity for 555 kindergarten to Grade 7 students.

Another new elementary school, Katzie Elementary, also has its frame up, and the roof is being installed. Completion is expected early in the new year with capacity for 605 kindergarten to Grade 7 students.

Work on additions for Fraser Heights Secondary and Panorama Ridge Secondary are underway with the Fraser Heights addition set to add 200 new spaces and the Panorama Ridge addition a further 300 by spring 2014.

As well, the replacement school for Sunnyside Elementary will be complete this September with a total of 450 seats, 180 more than the old school.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

"We are working with districts throughout the province to ensure that our schools are modern and innovative learning environments that support both students and teachers."

Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale -

"Surrey is a wonderful place for families, and as it grows we must make every effort to keep school construction at a pace that will meet the needs of those who come to share our community."

Gordon Hogg, MLA for Surrey-White Rock -

"This is an important step forward, but we know there is much to be done, we are continuing to work hard to provide safe, efficient, comfortable space for Surrey students."

Marvin Hunt, MLA for Surrey-Panorama -

"Surrey is a vibrant community with many fast growing areas and a need for additional kindergarten to Grade 12 learning space. Our government is committed to ensuring that new schools and additions in Surrey help meet that need, both now and in the future."

Amrik Virk, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead -

"These schools will be foundational in providing students the skills they need to achieve their goals and pursue further education."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $276 million for 49 capital and seismic projects and 12 site acquisitions in the Surrey school district. This project list includes 10 new schools, including Adams Road Elementary. In addition, the Province has invested more than $25.8 million for additional space for Full Day Kindergarten.

• Since 2001, government has spent more than $2.5 billion to complete capital projects, including 99 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 26 site acquisitions throughout BC. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.

Learn More:

Surrey school district: www.surreyschools.ca

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Media Contact:

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