Summary

• Construction starts on a replacement for Hazel Trembath Elementary school after a fire closed the school
• In September 2026, a new 300-seat addition opens for students at École Dr. Charles Best Secondary

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Construction begins on a new Hazel Trembath Elementary and a new addition opens at École Dr. Charles Best Secondary to support student learning and growth in the Coquitlam School District.

“The loss of Hazel Trembath Elementary was deeply felt by students, families and the entire community, which is why it is so meaningful to see construction begin on its replacement,” said Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port-Coquitlam. “This new school, as well as other school projects underway throughout the district, will provide students with the safe, welcoming spaces they need to thrive.”

Since 2017, the Province has invested in 11 capital projects in the Coquitlam School District. Eight of the projects are complete, including the new addition at École Dr. Charles Best Secondary school. The three projects underway are the replacement of Hazel Trembath Elementary, the seismic replacement of Montgomery Middle school and the new Burke Mountain Secondary, set to open in 2027.  

Work underway for students

The replacement school for Hazel Trembath Elementary is being delivered using a first-in-B.C. hybrid-construction approach that will speed up delivery of the new school. It will include 240 seats and a neighbourhood learning centre for future child care spaces. The Province is providing $39 million for the new school and it is expected to open in December 2027.

Features of the addition opening in September 2026

École Dr. Charles Best Secondary school offers educational programming for grades 9-12 in the Ranch Park neighbourhood in Coquitlam.

The new two-storey addition includes 300 new seats in 12 classrooms. Built to LEED Gold standards, the new addition offers a sustainable and energy-efficient environment.

The Province provided $18 million for the project.

“These projects ensure students in the Coquitlam School District have the classrooms they need to succeed,” said Lisa Beare, acting Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Education and Child Care. “As we continue investing in school infrastructure throughout B.C., students and families can look forward to learning environments that support their success now and for years to come.”

Creating more student spaces in B.C.

• Since 2017, the Province has approved more than $7 billion to create nearly 50,000 new student seats and almost 40,000 seismically safer seats in B.C. schools.
• It includes more than $454 million to create 2,600 new seats and 1,375 seismically safer seats in the Coquitlam School District.
• Throughout B.C., nearly 25,000 new student seats and 34,000 seismically safer seats are being used by students.

“This is a great day for the Hazel Trembath community,” said Michael Thomas, chair, Coquitlam Board of Education. “Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction for our new school and is an important step toward bringing our students home to Port Coquitlam. We’re also grateful for the Government of B.C.’s continued support for new student spaces at Dr. Charles Best Secondary.”

As the province grows, government remains committed to working with school districts and municipalities to provide students with safe, modern places to learn.

Quote:

Jennifer Blatherwick, MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville – 

“Coquitlam continues to be a destination for families because of its strong communities, great schools and quality of life. By investing in schools, we’re helping ensure students have the space and learning environments they need to learn and succeed.”

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 renderings of Hazel Trembath Elementary, visit: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/8YIpWLvfR8