COQUITLAM, B.C., April 17, 2023 – Interested members of the public are invited to learn more about plans for a joint middle and high school and park on Burke Mountain at an upcoming information session.
Information Session Details
When: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Gymnasium at Smiling Creek Elementary School (3456 Princeton Ave.)
The information session will feature a brief presentation from the architect at 5:15 p.m., followed by an opportunity to learn more about the project through displays and one-on-one discussions with representatives from both the School District 43 and the City of Coquitlam. The architect’s presentation will be recorded and, along with copies of the display materials, will be made available online for those unable to attend on both the SD43 and the City’s webpages.
Joint Amenities for Community Benefit
The 9.35 hectare (23.1 acre) site located at 3390/3400 David Avenue will be the future home of a joint middle school and high school with room for 1,000 students in grades 6 to 12, as well as sport and recreational amenities for both school and community use. The school and park are anticipated to be open by fall 2026.
Proposed park amenities include a 400-metre running track with lighting, an artificial turf field, four full-size tennis courts, accessible washrooms that can be used by park users after school hours, parking and more to be confirmed through the detailed design phase.
Planning and design for the site also includes options for a future stand-alone middle school, pending future enrolment growth and funding.
Partnership Brings Project to Life
Schools, parks, roads and other infrastructure are important elements to building a complete community in Coquitlam’s northeast. In 2008 the site was rezoned, subdivided and serviced to support a future park and school. A 2015 agreement between the City and the School District cemented the joint-use plans for the site and a $5 million community amenity contribution was provided by then land owner Wesbild Holdings.
In 2022, the Provincial Government announced funding for the design and construction of the middle-secondary school. Site clearing took place in early 2023 and construction is expected to start soon in order to be complete by fall 2026.
Quotes
“This project is a testament to the City of Coquitlam’s commitment to building complete communities through innovative partnerships. I know there is great excitement in the Burke Mountain community to see this project taking shape and moving forward – and I share this feeling. This open house is an important step in getting to construction and, eventually, welcoming students, families and park visitors to this site.” – Mayor Richard Stewart, City of Coquitlam
"The SD43 Board of Education is so pleased to be moving this school project forward to serve the growing number of students in our community. We very much appreciate the City's joint advocacy in helping us to accelerate this process. To achieve our goal with the inclusion of a fantastic park facility is of tremendous benefit to our future students and the community at large. By combining forces on this project, we can maximize every tax dollar, and deliver both a world-class educational facility and world-class park amenities to Burke Mountain." – Chair Michael Thomas, School District 43 Board of Education
Media Contacts:
School District 43
Ken Hoff
Assistant Director, Communications & Community Relations, FOI Officer
604-937-6777
khoff@sd43.bc.ca
City of Coquitlam
Lanny Englund
General Manager, Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities
604-927-3549
lenglund@coquitlam.ca