Students from the rapidly growing south-side community of Chilliwack will benefit from a new eight classroom addition at Promontory Heights Elementary Community school, thanks to a joint $6.1-million contribution from the Province and the Chilliwack School District.

MLA for Chilliwack-Hope Laurie Throness and MLA for Chilliwack John Martin made the funding announcement today on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier at the school, alongside students, parents, staff, city and school district officials.

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The Province is providing $4.8 million towards the project and the Chilliwack School District is providing $1.3 million. Construction on the addition will begin this summer and it is expected to finish in spring 2018.

The two-storey addition will be built on the west side of the school, creating 200 new student spaces to support the school’s rapidly growing enrolment. This project will move students from the school’s eight existing portables into the new classrooms. It will feature a new multi-purpose area and open and collaborative learning spaces to support B.C.’s new curriculum. The new addition will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard.

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The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province. In doing so, these construction projects are creating well-paying, family-supporting jobs – it is anticipated that about 19 full-time local jobs will be created as a result of this project. These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.

Quotes:

Laurie Throness, MLA for Chilliwack-Hope –

“I’m very happy to see that this important and necessary addition project is on the way for Promontory Heights. These 200 new seats will reduce enrolment pressure at the school and help support our fast growing community to ensure our youngest learners get the skills they need to succeed.”

John Martin, MLA for Chilliwack –

“Promontory Heights Elementary has seen a tremendous amount of growth over a short period of time. This investment will provide much needed room for students and ensure that important community programs continue to be available to local families, children and the community.” 

Paul McManus, chair, Chilliwack Board of Education –

“The Chilliwack School District is pleased to be partnering with the Provincial Government in the expansion of Promontory Heights Elementary Community school. This addition will provide an improved learning environment for students. We are also looking forward to Promontory having greater capacity and more adequate instructional spaces for students and staff. We thank the Ministry of Education for their investment in our students and our community, and look forward to the completion of this great project.”

Quick Facts:

• This government has invested more than $150 million in the Chilliwack School District, to complete capital and seismic projects including:
  • Chilliwack Secondary – seismic replacement
  • Yarrow Community – seismic replacement
  • Rosedale Middle – seismic replacement
  • G.W. Graham Middle-Secondary – new school
  • Greendale Elementary – replacement
  • AD Rundle Middle, Tyson Elementary and Vedder Middle – School Enhancement Program projects

Learn More:

B.C. School Capital Planning: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/resource-management/capital-planning

Chilliwack School District: http://www.sd33.bc.ca/

Promontory Heights Elementary Community school: http://promontory.sd33.bc.ca/

B.C.’s New Curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/