Provincial funds support school expansion projects

Two school projects in West Kelowna and one in Kelowna that aim to increase capacity are receiving support through provincial investments.

The B.C. government is providing a combined $162-million for the three projects, which involve expanding one school, building a new one, and assisting with the purchase of a new school site.

The province stated up to $121-million will be allotted for construction of the new George Pringle Secondary School in West Kelowna. The Central Okanagan School District (SD23) will add another $3-million towards this work, with construction of the 1,200 seat school expected to begin in the fall.

Hudson Road Elementary in West Kelowna will receive almost $23-million in provincial funding to build a two-storey addition featuring nine new classrooms and two kindergarten rooms, allowing for the school to add 265 new seats for students. Some of this funding has also been earmarked for improving the student drop-off/pick-up spot and the play areas, and for undertaking other safety upgrades.

The final $15-million will be provided to SD23 to assist with the purchase of land in the university area for a future elementary or middle school.

“These projects support our commitment to meet the needs of B.C.’s growing communities and provide all students throughout B.C. with a quality education,” Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care, stated.

“We will continue our work together to make investments that provide the best learning experiences possible for students.”