Smithers will be getting a new elementary school.
Education Minister Rob Fleming has announced that the government will support a full replacement of the aging Walnut Park Elementary.
The new, two-story structure will be built on the northwest corner of the current site and accommodate 440 students as well as the StrongStart program and neighbourhood learning centre.
“School District 54 has had a focus on innovation and transformation in learning for several years, and we are thrilled to see this project approved,” said Jen Williams, Bulkley Valley School Board chair.
Budgeted at $28.5 million, the Province is contributing up to $27.6 million for the project, and the Bulkley Valley School District is contributing an additional $900,000.
Construction is expected to begin March 2019, and is projected be ready for students to occupy in September 2020.
