Press release: Ministry of Education
Families in Maple Ridge’s east Albion neighbourhood can look forward to new classrooms to meet the future needs of the community, with the purchase of land for a new school.
“Every student in B.C. should have a classroom that allows them to learn and thrive, which is why our government is providing students the best learning experience possible in a safe and positive environment both here in Maple Ridge and all around the province,” said Premier John Horgan. “We’ve invested in 24 new or expanded schools, eight site purchases for future schools and 39 seismic upgrades or replacements, creating over 10,000 new student spaces throughout the province.”
Since September 2017, the Province has announced more than $620 million for new and expanded schools. Budget 2019 includes a record $2.7 billion for school capital projects, such as new schools, seismic upgrades and land purchases for future schools for B.C. students.
“Our government is building new schools in fast-growing communities like Maple Ridge, where many families have moved over the last decade,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “For too long, the previous government put new school construction on the backburner. I’m looking forward to working with the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows board of education to make this new school happen.”
The Government of B.C. is providing $5.4 million to the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District to buy the site, which is located at the corner of 249th Street and 108th Avenue (about 1.5 kilometres away from Samuel Robertson Technical school). This funding was announced at a community open house for the new c̓əsqənelə [TSUSS-KUN-AYE-LUH] Elementary school in south Albion, which has added 660 new student seats to the community.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for making another important investment in our school district,” said Korleen Carreras, chair, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows board of education. “The acquisition of a school site in east Albion will allow our district to consider new schools, ensuring that this fast-developing community has the educational services it needs to support its growth.”
A new school will be needed on the site as the existing elementary schools in Maple Ridge are projected to be over capacity by 2028.
The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school district will work with the Ministry of Education to find the best path forward for a new elementary school on the property. This means local families can expect to send their children to a modern school that allows teachers and students to take advantage of B.C.’s new curriculum.
Quotes:
Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission –
“Albion is a great community for parents to raise their children, and with so many new residents moving in, our government is making sure that families will have another new elementary school for students to learn, play and thrive. I’m proud to be part of a government that is investing in education for British Columbian families.”
Mike Morden, mayor, Maple Ridge –
“Having a dedicated site for a school is an essential part of the new Northeast Albion Area Plan. The school district and city have a long history of collaborating in creating sports fields, playgrounds and green spaces co-located with school sites to ensure that these public spaces become the social hub of the neighbourhood. This is an exciting investment by the Province of B.C. and another great partnership for the citizens we serve.”