Funding for new classroom space at Old Yale Road, William Watson and Latimer Road elementary schools announced
Grade 6 student Isabella Morais Montano speaks at the provincial announcement held at Old Yale Road Elementary. (Image: Surrey Schools)
Three Surrey elementary schools will be receiving additional classroom space following an announcement by the Minister of Education and Child Care Rachna Singh on Tuesday.
Old Yale Road Elementary will receive 17 new prefabricated classrooms, Latimer Road Elementary will get six, and William Watson Elementary will grow by 12 classrooms. All are expected to be ready in fall 2025.
In total, the $52.5 investment will provide spaces for 875 students.
"This announcement is an important step in the right direction and welcome news for many families in Surrey who are experiencing capacity challenges in their neighbourhood schools," said Laurie Larsen, chair, Surrey Board of Education.
"Our population is growing, and Surrey is welcoming students at a much higher rate than ever before," said Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley. "The expansion of Old Yale Road Elementary is a significant addition that will go a long way in ensuring that students have the space they need to learn and grow."
The prefabricated additions will allow for a quicker install time than traditional school expansions and will be able to accommodate plumbing, heating and other amenities.
Last month, the province announced additions for École Martha Currie and Walnut Road elementary schools, and in November 2023, announced 36 classrooms shared amongst Lena Shaw, Walnut Road and Woodland Park elementary schools.
Earlier this year, the district announced that the student population in Surrey and White Rock schools had grown by more than 1,500 since September 2023, bringing the total enrolment to more than 83,400.
To learn more about Surrey Schools’ current and future capital projects, see our Capital Project Office progress chart.
The provincial announcement was attended by members of the Surrey Board of Education, local MLAs and staff and students of Old Yale Road Elementary. (Image: Surrey Schools)
