Pitt Meadows is now one big step closer to getting a new high school, with the funding and business case recently receiving final approval.
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA Lisa Beare helped make the announcement in front of Pitt Meadows Secondary on Aug. 7, saying that this project has been a long time coming.
"I have been working on this project since 2014 since I was first elected to the school board," said Beare.
In March 2023, the announcement was made that the Ministry of Education and Child Care had identified the replacement of Pitt Meadows Secondary as a priority project, which tasked School District 42 with developing a business case and submitting it to the ministry.
The business case has now received final approval, moving the project along, with Beare explaining that they will now be seeking bids for the project, with this process expected to take several months.
Although there is no groundbreaking date as of yet, the MLA did reveal that the projected opening of the new school will be spring of 2028.
"This will help us support our community's growth and ensure that the Pitt Meadows region remains a wonderful place to raise a family," said Beare.
Paid for through more than $143 million in funding from the province and $142,000 from SD42, this new school will be able to host 1,100 students, which is the same number as the current Pitt Meadows Secondary, but will have several new key features, explained school board chair Elaine Yamamoto.
"This new, seismically safer facility will also be a great addition to the community with a neighbourhood learning centre, which will provide purpose-built space for Indigenous education, expand the gym, and provide a theatre space and teaching kitchen for community use in Pitt Meadows," said Yamamoto.
According to the school district, they are also considering adding a new child care facility on-site as well.
"We're not just constructing a building, we're laying the foundation for generations of learning, growth, and community," said Yamamoto.
