The Government of B.C. and the Central Okanagan School District have partnered to invest $36.1 million for a brand new Okanagan Mission Junior Middle school for students in the fast growing neighbourhood of Okanagan Mission.

MLA for Kelowna-Mission Steve Thomson and MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country Norm Letnick made the announcement today on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier with school district officials at 1211 Frost Road, the future site of the new school.

The new three-story school will provide 750 new student spaces for grades 6-8 students and a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC). This will be the first middle school built in the growing Southeast Kelowna neighbourhood.

The Province is investing $35.1 million, and the Central Okanagan School District will invest $1 million towards the school during the construction phase of the project. Construction is expected to start this fall and be completed by September 2019. The district acquired the school site in 2013, using its own funds, at a cost of $2.05 million.

The new school will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards. The interior will include lots of natural light, and open and collaborative learning spaces to support B.C.’s new curriculum.

(flickr.com)

This new project is also helping ensure apprentices get a chance to learn the trades, as it is being built under B.C.’s Apprentices on Public Projects Policy, part of the B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. This is one way the Province is helping ensure more people in B.C. get connected with skills-training and apprenticeship opportunities.

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. This project is anticipated to create about 110 jobs. These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.

Quotes:

MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country Norm Letnick –

“Government has committed to ensure Kelowna’s growth is supported with today’s announcement. We are on track – this investment will support the students and families of Kelowna with a modern, safe and comfortable learning environment. I am pleased to see this project moving forward with the help of our partners at the Central Okanagan School District.”

MLA for Kelowna-Mission Steve Thomson –

“It is crucial that we continue to support our growing community here in Okanagan Mission. Today’s announcement of funding for a new middle school in this area is doing just that, supporting spaces for our middle school students that will help them learn, grow and succeed for years to come.”

Moyra Baxter, chairperson, Central Okanagan Board of Education –

“This is good news for the district and for Okanagan Mission families. The Board of Education purchased the land for a middle school, anticipating the need to accommodate the growing number of students living in the area. The new school will support the School District moving towards a consistent grade configuration throughout the District.”

(flickr.com)

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government has invested $104.5 million in the Central Okanagan School District to complete 15 construction projects, including:
  • Additions to Rutland Senior Secondary, Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary and Okanagan Mission Secondary;
  • Replacement of Dr. Knox Middle school;
  • the new Chute Lake Elementary and Mar Jok Elementary

Learn More:

Central Okanagan School District: http://www.sd23.bc.ca/Pages/default.aspx

For more information on the Apprentices on Public Projects policy, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/public-project-contractors-required-to-sponsor-apprentices

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