Hornby Island students are looking forward to learning in a new school with construction underway to replace one destroyed by fire. 

“Students deserve to learn in safe and inspiring schools that give them the best chance to succeed,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. “With a new, modern school coming to Hornby Island, local students will have a better learning experience for generations to come. This will be more than a new school. As a community centre, it will benefit all Hornby Island residents.”

The Government of B.C. is providing $10.4 million for a new, 95-seat Hornby Island Community school, replacing the previous building that was lost in a fire in August 2018.

“The former Hornby Island Community school was truly the heart of the island’s community,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “After it burned down, I’m proud that our government was quick to provide short-term classrooms for local students so they could keep learning nearby, and I’m thankful the new school will soon give them the long-term, safe and modern learning environment they deserve.”

The new school is scheduled to be ready for students by September 2022, giving students a modern, new school that better aligns with 21st-century learning. Once complete, the school will safely serve families and support the community for decades to come.

“The daycare students next door take a keen interest in progress and keep the community informed about the big equipment at work. It’s exciting to see the structure take shape knowing our students and community will be back in such a wonderful, safe learning centre one day soon,” said Sheila McDonnell, chair, Comox Valley Board of Education.” The logistics of creating a temporary school and now moving so efficiently with the new building dealt many extra challenges. We commend the entire project team, SD71 staff and contractors for their stellar work.”

Hornby Island residents used the old elementary school throughout the year. The largest facility on the island, it also contained its only gymnasium. The new school will include an expanded gymnasium that will be available for community programming. It will be rebuilt on the same site.

Since September 2017, the Province has approved over $2.2 billion for new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades and replacements, and land purchases for future schools.

To support this momentum, Budget 2020 includes $2.8 billion for school capital projects that will help provide better learning environments for students throughout B.C.