A new south Langford school site has been purchased to ensure land is available for a new 500-seat elementary school on the Westshore.

The site is located north of the intersection of Latoria Road and Klahanie Drive.

“As more young families decide to raise their children on the Westshore, building and expanding schools here is a top priority for our government,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “Strong public services, like education, are key to B.C.’s restart and recovery. I’m pleased to announce this next step in building a new elementary school that will help keep class sizes small and create the jobs we need to get back on our feet.”

The Government of British Columbia provided the Sooke School District with $7.7 million for the purchase of the Latoria Road school site. The district is contributing $960,000.

“Families deserve to know that schools will be available close to home,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “We’ve moved quickly to invest in new and expanded schools, and land purchases on the Westshore will support growth now and for generations to come.”

Since September 2017, the Province has approved two new schools in West Langford and an expansion of Royal Bay Secondary, which combine for 1,800 new student seats coming to support students in one of the fastest-growing school districts in B.C. In addition, three school sites are in place for future schools.

Blasting and site preparations are well underway for the two new West Langford schools. Pexsisen Elementary will have capacity for 500 students, while Centre Mountain Lellum Middle school can accommodate 700 students. Construction tendering is in progress, and a successful proponent is expected to be named next month. Both schools are scheduled to open in September 2022.

“We’re not just building schools in the Westshore, we’re building communities,” said Ravi Parmar, chairperson, Sooke School District. “The Sooke School District is committed to working with the provincial government to ensure families in our fast-growing district have schools where kids can learn close to home. With today's announcement, we are planning a positive future for the many families who are choosing South Langford to call home.”

These investments are part of the $2 billion already announced for 96 school capital projects throughout B.C. in less than three years, with 12,390 new student seats and nearly 26,000 seismically safe seats either completed or underway.

A backgrounder follows.