Photo Courtesy: Province of British Columbia

By Veronica Beltran

new school

New and improved Walnut Park Elementary on way for Smithers

Jul 21, 2020 | 11:47 AM

SMITHERS—Work is underway to create Walnut Park Elementary School’s replacement in Smithers.

The new school is budgeted at $32.1 million, the Province is contributing $29.7 million for the project and the Bulkley Valley School District is contributing an other $2.4 million.

“This is terrific news for students in Smithers who have spent too long learning in a school that needed serious repairs and upgrades.”—Rob Fleming, Minister of Education

Construction of the new two-storey school began in early July of this year and is expected to be completed by September of 2021.

The new school will hold 440 students, have open and collaborative learning spaces and will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold standards.

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“The board of education is pleased to support a new and innovative space for current and future students who will attend Walnut Park Elementary.”—Jennifer Williams, chair, Bulkley Valley Board of Education

“Along with the new school comes a new daycare facility. Having an early learning centre attached to the school will be a benefit to the families and children in the community, especially when it comes time to transitioning into kindergarten,” adds Williams.

The project will also include a neighbourhood learning centre and Strong Start Program on the school grounds.

Photo Courtesy: Province of British Columbia, Flickr