Office of the Premier
Future Valleyview Secondary students will be learning in modern, engaging classrooms with a new addition that will nearly double their school’s capacity.
“Our government is working hard to give every B.C. student the best learning experience possible,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “With 20 new, modern classrooms, a new gymnasium, multipurpose space and special education classrooms, Valleyview students will have a more enjoyable and engaging experience at school.”
The Ministry of Education is providing $32.7 million for the new 525-seat addition, which is expected to be open to students by September 2022. The Kamloops School District is contributing $1.75 million to the project.
Valleyview currently has capacity for 675 students, but a 2018-19 enrolment of 942. Without a major expansion, the school would be operating at 163% in five years. There are currently nine portables on-site. However, enrolment projections show there will be no need for portables once the addition is complete.
The addition to Valleyview is the first on Kamloops’ south shore since the opening of Pacific Way Elementary in 2001.
“SD73 is pleased to be able to begin this much needed expansion project at Valleyview Secondary,” said Kathleen Karpuk, chair, School District No. 73 (Kamloops-Thompson). “This project ensures our students will have the access to the facilities they need to connect with their futures.”
Government is committed to making investments that reduce the need for portables as a solution to growth in fast-growing communities throughout B.C.
Since September 2017, the Province has announced more than $1 billion in school capital funding, including $364.5 million for 6,150 new student seats at 11 new or expanded schools — and more is on the way.
Budget 2019 provides a record $2.7 billion for new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades, and land purchases for future schools.
Quick Facts:
- Valleyview Secondary school opened in 1969 with additions in 1969, 1972, 1994 and 2001.
- This addition will be built to LEED Gold standards and bring the school’s capacity from 675 to 1,200 students.
- The project also includes a new 900 square-metre gymnasium, new pick-up and drop-off area for buses, parking stalls and outdoor play areas.
- With funding now approved, the Kamloops School District will begin designing the new addition and seek feedback from the community.
- To further reduce portables, the Kamloops Board of Education will reopen Westsyde Elementary school in September 2019.
Learn More:
For more information about major school capital projects in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/major-capital-projects
To connect with the Kamloops School District: https://www.sd73.bc.ca/
