The new Coast Salish Elementary school in Coquitlam has opened, helping to address enrolment growth in one of B.C.’s fastest growing communities.

The school creates 430 new student spaces and also includes a new child care centre that will provide a convenient drop off and pickup location for parents and accommodate approximately 55 children from 30 months to school age.

“More families are choosing to put down roots in Coquitlam, and we’re building the schools that families need in this fast-growing community,” said Premier David Eby. “Now more families in Coquitlam will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their children are learning in a great new community school, with the added convenience of new child care spaces next door.”

The province provided $38.3 million, while the Coquitlam School District contributed $5 million for the project.

“Our government is building, expanding and upgrading schools throughout B.C.,” said Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care. “The brand-new Coast Salish Elementary school will welcome students this year, and soon Moody Elementary will join it to serve families in the Coquitlam School District.”

Coquitlam School District 43 received approximately $3 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund to build child care centres at Coast Salish Elementary and Moody Elementary that together will accommodate more than 100 children from 30 months to school age.

Construction has also begun on the new Moody Elementary school. The province provided $32.2 million to replace Moody Elementary school and create a safer learning environment for 385 students. The Coquitlam School District provided an additional $5 million toward the project.

This project is part of the province’s work with B.C. school districts to provide students with access to seismically safe seats. The new school is expected to open in 2025.