The Kamloops-Thompson School District says work is progressing quicker than anticipated on the soon-to-be built Pineview Valley Elementary School.

SD73 Board Chair Heather Grieve says the contractor was able to get the initial tender work done quicker than they originally thought, because of milder weather in November and December.

“It probably gives us more buffer zone. I don’t know if we will ever be able to accurately predict timelines to a T, so anytime we have something finish ahead of schedule, its nice because we get to make sure the plans are still in place and everything like that.”

She says it is why the school district is now able to move into the next phase of the new school plans.

“Seeing obviously that the property is going to be cleared and they are doing what they need to do in terms of the earthworks part,” said Grieve.

“Then we continue to move forward with the design and are looking forward to seeing what that looks like when the new school comes to fruition; it will be fantastic.”

Meanwhile, grieve also says SD73 has been working with Tk’emlups and other Indigenous partners to chose a name for the new school.

“Really trying to put a lot of thought into how do we respectfully name a new school in a way that is reflective, not only of the lands it it built on but also the area and things like that. You can see districts are getting away from naming schools after people.”

Construction on the new school on Copperhead Drive is set to get underway this year, with the opening date set for the summer of 2026.