A 325-seat addition and new child care spaces at Queen Elizabeth Elementary will provide a better learning experience for children in New Westminster.

“Queensborough is a wonderful place to live, and it’s critical we provide children the best learning experience possible,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education and MLA for New Westminster. “That’s why we’re doubling the capacity of Queen Elizabeth Elementary, moving hundreds of students from portables to classrooms to improve their learning environment.”

The Government of B.C. is investing $20.1 million to build 13 new classrooms and a neighbourhood learning centre for child care at Queen Elizabeth Elementary. The New Westminster School District will provide an additional $250,000.

“This is such an important investment in our community – one that reflects and responds to some of the significant needs of our growing district and their families,” said Gurveen Dhaliwal, chair, New Westminster School Board. “We welcome this news, as the expansion will enable more connection, collaboration and improved learning conditions for all students and staff, and the child care spaces will play a vital role in allowing us to better support parents who are working hard as they raise their families.”

Construction on the addition is expected to begin in summer 2022 and the new classrooms are scheduled to be ready for students in early 2024.

“Queen Elizabeth Elementary is a true community hub for families in our community, and as Queensborough grows, the school must do the same,” said Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “The expansion of the school with new classrooms and child care spaces will give families the comfort of knowing their children are receiving the best care and education we can give them.”

Delivering additional child care spaces on site will also provide improved options for New Westminster parents. The school district will work with the community to ensure programs meet the needs of families.

“We are on a historic path with Childcare BC, our 10-year plan for an inclusive universal child care system,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “Offering child care on school grounds provides peace of mind and convenience for parents and is an important part of our work to deliver quality, inclusive and affordable child care spaces for B.C. families.”

This investment is part of the Province’s commitment to ensure students are learning in safe, positive and welcoming schools that give them the best opportunity to succeed.

“On behalf of the parent community, the parent advisory council (PAC) would like to extend our appreciation for all those that advocated for Queen Elizabeth getting our kids out of portables and into a school expansion,” said Bernadette Gourlay, president, Queen Elizabeth Elementary PAC. “The expansion means a lot to the families of our growing community, and we look forward to participating in the process.”

Since September 2017, the Government of B.C. has announced more than $2.3 billion for school construction projects, including $61.4 million in New Westminster to replace Richard McBride Elementary and for seismic upgrades at Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary.