New schools, daycares opening in Coquitlam

Families in one of B.C.’s fastest-growing communities are receiving increased support this school year with the presence of a new school and childcare centre in their community.

Coast Salish Elementary School, part of the Coquitlam School District, opened in September due to a partnership between the school district and province.

The new school creates 430 new student spaces and 55 new daycare spaces.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

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Meanwhile, construction has begun on nearby Moody Elementary School which will accommodate an additional 385 students within the same school district. It’s expected to open in 2025.

With the help of the approximately $3 million in funding provided to the two schools by the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, Moody Elementary will also open a similar number of daycare spaces once complete.

“I am excited for Coquitlam families who will have child care on school grounds, it’s more convenient for busy parents and provides smoother transitions for children,” said Grace Lore, minister of state for child care. “By working with school districts, we’re building a future where access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care is a core service families can depend on.”

The province provided $32.2 million to replace Moody Elementary School and $38.3 million to build Coast Salish Elementary School. The Coquitlam School District contributed an additional $5 million for each project.

“We need schools that are the right size to meet our community needs. I’m so excited to see construction beginning on Moody Elementary School. This expanded school will benefit the entire community for generations to come,” said MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam Rick Glumac.

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Over the past six years, the provincial government has approved almost $300 million to create seven new or improved schools in the Coquitlam School District.

In this same time period, 23,000 new student spaces and 34,000 seismically safer seats have been created by the provincial government.