Construction has begun on a new elementary school in the Township of Langley’s Willoughby Heights area.

The new Northeast Latimer Elementary school will have space for 555 students from kindergarten to Grade five. With more than $51.8 million from the province, the school is expected to be ready for students in fall 2025.

“Communities flourish when students have access to safe, quality learning environments close to home,” said Rachna Singh, minister of education and child care. “I am thrilled that this new state-of-the-art school will soon help meet the needs of families in what is one of the fastest-growing communities in the province. As more people are moving to B.C., our government is continuing to build, expand and upgrade schools so that all students have the chance to reach their full academic potential.”

The two-storey elementary school will have a neighbourhood learning centre for broader community services, such as child care. In keeping with the province’s CleanBC emissions-reduction goals, the school will emit more than 70 per cent less greenhouse gases compared to a standard LEED gold building. Additionally, mass timber will be incorporated into the design of the school. These innovative low-carbon building materials will also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the building’s lifetime.

“Schools in Langley continue to welcome new students and families every day and we know that this school will bring current and future students many learning opportunities, as well as a sense of belonging in a newly developed neighbourhood,” said Candy Ashdown, chair, Langley Board of Education. “The board thanks the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Township of Langley for their continued partnership.”