A rebuilt K-6 Parkcrest Elementary School that includes a larger gymnasium and a neighbourhood learning centre will open by spring of 2024.
The Ministry of Education will be contributing $34.84-million towards the project while the Kamloops-Thompson School District will be adding $300,000.
“Parkcrest students, staff and families have gone through a lot since they lost their school in a devastating fire,” said Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside, in a statement.
“Schools are the foundation of our communities, and that’s why our government continues to invest in fast-growing communities like Kamloops. This new school will provide students, families and the community with an expanded, safe and modern learning environment that will allow them to grow and thrive in for many years to come.”
In all, the new Parkcrest Elementary will have space for 510 students, an increase of 120 students, in anticipation for expected enrolment growth in the community.
“The board of education is pleased to be able to begin the process of rebuilding the Parkcrest school,” SD73 Board Chair Rhonda Kershaw said. “When completed, this bigger, brighter and modern space will be a welcome new home for the displaced school community. We look forward to our students and staff returning to their school and to be able to offer an expanded facility to the entire community.”
The city of Kamloops has also committed $2.5-million for the additional space required for the larger gym and changerooms. In a statement, Mayor Ken Christian says the city is ‘happy’ to be a partner on the project to expand the size of the gym.
“This not only benefits students, but would also be available for booking by community and sport groups, providing much-needed access to indoor recreation space in Kamloops,” he said.
Construction in the Brocklehurst neighbourhood will start in the summer of 2022.
“We look forward to seeing shovels in the ground and our students and staff returning to a new Parkcrest. Our hearts have ached when seeing the empty lot, and we can’t wait for students and families to make new memories in a brand-new school,” added Courtney Ball, the chair of the Parkcrest Elementary Parent Advisory Committee.
