An important step in bringing a new middle-secondary school to families in Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain neighbourhood is complete, as government has approved the concept plan to build the facility.

“Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain community is a terrific place to live and it’s clear a new school is needed to serve older students who deserve to learn in classrooms close to home,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. “Our government has already invested nearly $135 million in new and improved schools in the Tri-Cities and we will continue our work to give all students the best learning experience possible.”

The Coquitlam School District’s (SD 43) concept plan for the new middle-secondary school proposes a facility with room for 1,000 students, to be built on school district property in the Lower Hyde Creek Village neighbourhood. The site will be jointly developed by the district and the City of Coquitlam. Through a memorandum of understanding, the city has committed to providing outdoor amenities on the adjacent site, including a turf field and a track.

“I am excited to see progress on this project. Burke Mountain youth and parents are looking forward to a middle-secondary school in their neighbourhood, which will help ease stress on families,” said Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain. “This is the result of our government’s commitment to improving schools for students and staff, and our strong partnership with both the Coquitlam school board and the City of Coquitlam.”

Concept planning is an important part of the process when building a new school. It’s an opportunity to explore options about how to best meet the educational needs of a community.

With the concept plan approved, the Coquitlam School District has the Province’s support to develop a business case, which will finalize the details of the new school, such as scope, schedule and budget. Upon provincial approval of the business case and capital funding, the project will proceed to the design stage, then construction.

“The board of education appreciates the overwhelming support of families in the Burke Mountain neighbourhood in their tireless effort and support of the Coquitlam School District  to open a middle-secondary school,” said Kerri Palmer Isaak, board chair, SD43. “It’s exciting for the project to move one step closer to realization for the many students of this fast-growing region.”

To further benefit students in Burke Mountain, the Province has invested $52.3 million to build a new Sheffield Elementary school in Coquitlam, which is expected to open in summer 2022. This school will have space for 430 students, part of the 1,035 new student spaces funded by the Province in less than four years throughout the district.

Budget 2021 includes nearly $3.5 billion for school capital investments, including new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades and replacements, and site purchases to ensure land is in place to accommodate growth in fast-growing communities throughout the province.