Langley, B.C., will soon have more spaces for students due to the announcement of two school projects, one of which is a new middle school.
The funds for this come from the annual budget, according to the province.
Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care, stated that as Langley grows quickly, the government is working to ensure students have access to safe, quality schools close to home.
These new projects will help ease enrolment pressures and meet the needs of students in Langley’s rapidly growing Willoughby area, Singh added.
The Province of B.C. had already planned a middle school, along with an addition for R.E. Mountain Secondary, as part of Budget 2024 — the largest school capital budget in B.C.’s history.
Andrew Mercier, MLA for Langley, said, “With more people moving to our community, we need community infrastructure to support that growth.”
He also said, “The addition at R.E. Mountain Secondary will be welcome news to families in the area and will ensure we can meet the needs of students for years to come.”
The two new projects will continue the past six years of investments in Langley, where $239 million was used to create 1,835 student seats.
The Chair of Langley Board of Education, Candy Ashdown, expressed that they believe these new projects will support student learning and provide more healthy and safe spaces that are greatly needed.
The board appreciates all of its partners, including the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Township of Langley, for continuing to work with them.
The province made two land acquisitions: one for Northeast Latimer Elementary and one for future Willoughby secondary and middle schools.
Eric Woodward, the mayor of the Township of Langley, stated that these are important steps forward for the area in ensuring they have the capacity for all students.
He noted, “As more young families continue to call the Township of Langley their home, we must ensure school capacity is keeping up with our growth.”
Budget 2024 includes $3.75 billion for school capital projects throughout B.C. over the next three years, including new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades and replacements, and land purchases for future schools.
