As families prepare to send kids back to school in September, new schools and additions are opening in several growing communities, with thousands more spaces under construction throughout British Columbia.

“We’ve been working hard to build and deliver new schools to meet the needs of students now and in the future,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Our historic investments in school infrastructure are already making a meaningful difference for B.C. students, and we look forward to welcoming young learners into even more brand-new classrooms this fall.”

In Langford, one of the province’s fastest-growing cities, the new SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary school is set to open its doors. This school adds 480 seats for students in kindergarten through Grade 5 and will help meet long-term enrolment needs.

“Langford is a great place to call home, and I am thrilled to see the new SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary school opening for students,” said Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Highlands. “I can’t wait to see the halls filled with laughter, backpacks on the hooks and the start of new memories for the students.”

In Trail, the new Glenmerry Elementary is a full replacement school built at expanded capacity, adding 165 new student seats and increasing total capacity from 270 to 435 seats.

There are also new additions at five K-12 schools:

• in Abbotsford, Auguston Traditional Elementary and Margaret Stenerson Elementary are receiving new additions, creating a total of 360 new seats;
• in Delta, Ladner Elementary is adding 150 new seats;
• in Kelowna, Chief Tomat Elementary is adding 165 new seats; and
• in Richmond, R.C. Talmey Elementary is adding 150 new seats.

Students throughout the province will see more space this fall, with Surrey also adding 700 new seats and further expansions planned in Langley to keep up with growing communities.

“Creating the right learning environment is essential to student success,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “I’m thrilled to see these investments making a real difference for students throughout the province, and I look forward to welcoming students back to classes for another great school year.”

Since 2017, the Province has committed more than $6 billion to school capital projects, creating nearly 43,000 new student spaces and more than 39,000 seismically safe seats in B.C. schools. As the province grows, B.C. is working with both school districts and municipalities to provide all students with safe, modern and inspiring places to learn.

Quotes:

Camille McFarlane, principal of SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary –

“SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary reflects the exciting growth of our community. This school will be a place where students can thrive, build friendships and learn while honouring the stories and traditions of this land.”

Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee –

“I am thrilled for students in Trail to attend the new and expanded Glenmerry Elementary. With before- and after-school care provided by the new school’s neighbourhood learning centre, this investment will make a real difference in supporting our growing community in the Kootenays.”

Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North –

“Families in Delta deserve access to quality education close to home. By adding 150 new seats at Ladner Elementary, we’re making sure more students can learn in safe, modern classrooms, while helping address the growing demand in our community.”

Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston –

“The addition at R.C. Talmey means more students can learn in modern and safe environments right in their own neighbourhoods. Our government’s historic investments in education are having a real impact, and I’m excited to see students and communities in Richmond already experiencing the benefits.”

Learn More:

For more information about K-12 school capital projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital

For more information about K-12 school capital projects in Surrey for September 2025, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025INF0039-000794

A backgrounder follows.