Plans for an enhanced and expanded Mission Senior Secondary are continuing, with funding secured to create a new, larger school to serve an additional 250 students.
“We have been building, expanding and upgrading schools throughout B.C.,” said Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care. “Our government is working to ensure all B.C. students can learn, grow and thrive in safe and modern schools.”
Once complete, the new 1,500-seat secondary school will create an additional 250 seats to support future enrolment growth in the district. The school will support an Indigenous education centre and a neighbourhood learning centre for community use and child care. The students will remain in the current school until the new Mission Senior Secondary is complete.
“I am thrilled that we are moving forward with the next steps on the replacement of Mission Senior Secondary school,’’ said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “This funding will support a brand new bigger, safer facility for Mission Secondary students for many years and the scope of this project reflects the need of our growing community.”
The Province is providing $175 million for the replacement of the school, with an additional $1 million funded by the school district. The new Mission Senior Secondary school is expected to be ready for students by the 2029-30 school year. The school will feature energy-efficient-measures, such as a cooling system for warmer months.
“We're very excited to reach the next milestone on the way to the new Mission Senior Secondary school,’’ said Bob D’Eith MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “This new, larger and safer school will help support our growing community and enhance the learning experience for students in Mission as we continue to work together with local government, the school district, and dedicated community members toward a brighter future for education in our community."
Through Budget 2024, the Mission School District was also provided an additional $1.2 million for roofing upgrades at Deroche and Edwin S. Richards Elementary, as well as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning upgrades at Mission Central Elementary.
“The funding for Mission’s new secondary school underscores the government’s commitment to education and youth,” says Shelley Carter, board chair for Mission School District. “This initiative promises a state-of-the-art learning environment for students and support for educators. The facility will celebrate community diversity and advance reconciliation efforts with First Nations. Thanks to all stakeholders for their contributions. Your investment in public education reaffirms dedication to unlocking students' potential and ensuring community success.”
Since September 2017, the Government of British Columbia has approved the construction of 25,000 new student spaces and 36,000 seismically safer seats. The Province has provided approximately $4 billion for new and improved schools, as well as land purchases for future schools.
Budget 2024 includes $3.75 billion for school capital projects over the next three years, including new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades and replacements, and land purchases for future schools.
Learn More:
For more information about the Mission School District, visit: https://www.mpsd.ca
For more information about major public school capital projects underway in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/major-capital-projects
To learn more about B.C.’s Seismic Mitigation Program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/seismic-mitigation