A new site for a future elementary school has been purchased in Langford, the fastest growing community in the Capital Regional District.

“More and more families are continuing to call Langford their home, and we need to make sure there are safe and modern schools in place ready to welcome their children,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “We’re looking ahead to the future with the school investments needed to support families in growing communities across the province.”

The Province is providing $6.6 million to purchase six acres of land in the North Langford area of the Sooke School District. Known as the South Skirt Mountain site, the district has identified this land as a location where a future elementary school is needed.

Major housing developments are planned for the South Skirt Mountain neighbourhood. An elementary school at this site will help to relieve existing and future enrolment pressures at nearby Lakewood Elementary and Millstream Elementary schools.

“The Sooke School District is one of the fastest growing in B.C., with a projected increase of 1,800 students in the next five years,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “That’s why we’re making this important investment now, so families settling in this new neighbourhood will have peace of mind knowing there are plans for a school for their children.”

“In such a fast-growing school district, we are always looking to purchase land, but can’t always afford to do so,” said Ravi Parmar, chairperson, Sooke Board of Education. “This land in North Langford is in a perfect location to hopefully house a school that will be within walking distance for many families who will be moving in to that area of Langford.”

Langford’s population continues to grow at a rapid speed. In 2001 there were 18,840 Langford residents, and that number grew to 35,342 people in 2016. The population of Langford is projected to grow to over 42,000 by 2026.

“With the rapid rate of growth in the Westshore, land for schools must be secured now for future generations of students,” said Jim Cambridge, superintendent, Sooke School District. “It’s really encouraging to see that the provincial government is looking ahead and acquiring land for schools before it is either unavailable or unaffordable.”

With this latest land purchase, the Province has invested $55 million in capital projects in the Sooke School District since September 2017, including $23.3 million for 16 acres of land in West Langford for an elementary and middle school, and $25.2 million for an addition to Royal Bay Secondary school.

Government is committed to working with partners to build new schools and upgrade existing ones in every region of the province, announcing $423.1 million in school capital projects since September 2017.

Quick Facts:

• Budget 2018 invests a record $2 billion in school capital projects over the next three years.
• As of March 2018, the Sooke School District has 11,074 students in K-12.