Summary

• With the school year underway, 23 new and improved schools are opening in B.C., including two in Richmond that add 315 new student seats and 400 seismically safer seats
• It includes a new 315-seat City Centre Elementary and the seismic replacement of Alfred B. Dixon Elementary, expected to complete in late fall 2026
• In addition, dozens of projects are starting construction on school grounds throughout the province
• It includes the seismic replacement for John Diefenbaker Elementary, which will begin in fall 2026

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As students settle into the new school year, families can take comfort in knowing more modern student spaces are ready, and more are underway to support student learning and growth.  

“Students learn best when they have safe, welcoming places to grow and succeed,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “The opening of this new school means more Richmond students will have access to modern learning spaces this school year, with more improvements on the way.”

Since 2017, the Province has invested in 19 capital projects in the Richmond School District, 18 of which are complete, including the new City Centre Elementary and the seismic replacement of Alfred B. Dixon Elementary.

Supporting Richmond students in fall 2026

City Centre Elementary has been renovated and converted from an independent school into a new public school, providing:

• 315 new seats in 13 classrooms for the Richmond School District
• expanded classroom space, upgraded heating and cooling systems, mechanical work, roof replacement, and other renovations to make the building safer and more accessible

The Province provided nearly $11 million for the project.

Alfred B. Dixon Elementary nearing completion

In late fall 2026, students will benefit from the completion of the upgraded Alfred B. Dixon Elementary school, which will provide 400 seismically safer seats and a modern environment. The Province provided more than $31 million for the project.

“We are pleased to welcome students, families and staff into these new and improved learning spaces,” said Christopher Usih, superintendent, Richmond School District. “The district values its continued partnership with the Province as we work to provide learning environments that support students today and respond to Richmond’s changing needs.”

Work underway for Richmond students

Construction is beginning in fall 2026 on a 465-seat seismic replacement of John Diefenbaker Elementary. The new school will also include a neighbourhood learning centre offering child care services. The Province provided more than $52 million for the project.

“Families in Richmond want to know their children are learning in schools that are safe, accessible and built for the future,” said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “The opening of these new and upgraded schools, along with continued investments in seismic safety, will benefit students, families and neighbourhoods across Richmond 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 $269 million the Province has committed to create 1,060 new seats and 5,570 seismically safer seats in the Richmond School District.
• Throughout B.C., more than 29,500 new student seats and more than 35,000 seismically safer seats are used.

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

Learn More:

• For images and video of the projects, visit: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/8Q28wEjymJ
• For more information about the 23 new and improved schools opening in September 2026, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/34222
• 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