The Government of B.C. is providing $28.7 million to build a 555-seat, K-5 elementary school that will include up to 83 child-care spaces in three classrooms in the southwest Yorkson neighbourhood of Willoughby. The Langley School District is providing $3.5 million for the school, for a total budget of $32.2 million.
“As the Willoughby neighbourhood continues to grow, we’re supporting families with a brand-new school to give students a better learning experience close to home,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “And with the addition of new child care spaces at the school, more parents will have an opportunity to pursue goals that will help them to better support their families.”
The new school is needed to support the rapid population increase that is occurring in the community. It will be built on a site purchased by the district in 2018 with $7.6 million in provincial capital and $1.7 million in land capital funding. The school is expected to open in September 2021.
“The board of education is very appreciative of the funding to build a new school in one of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods in Langley,” said Megan Dykeman, chair of the Langley School Board. “The board has advocated for a long time for this project. We are excited to work with the Province to meet our commitment to provide quality education to all learners.”
The school site is on 78th Avenue, between R.E. Mountain Secondary school and Willoughby Elementary.
The Township of Langley has purchased an adjacent property and will develop and maintain it as the school field.
