In June 2016, the Province of B.C. announced funding for the replacement of New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS). The $106.5 million project is the largest school investment in B.C. history.
Built in 1949, the current school has served New Westminster students exceedingly well, but the facility is outdated and requires seismic remediation. It is the only secondary school in the City of New Westminster and one of the largest in B.C. Also, importantly, part of the property is located on a former burial area. Commitments have been made that no construction will take place on any known burial area.
Scheduled to open in September 2020, with construction completed in the spring of 2020, the new NWSS will accommodate 1,900 grade 9 to 12 students. The new school will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment. It will be designed to optimize the use of flexible learning spaces to maximize collaboration and active learning; this will include technology that enriches the learning process, multi-purpose spaces and modern shops, as well as contemporary fine and performing arts spaces. It will also meet today’s standards for modern learning, safety and accessibility, and will incorporate the latest sustainable energy management systems.
In December 2017, the New Westminster School District and the Ministry of Education selected Graham Design-Builders with KMBR Architects Planners Inc. to design and build the new school, based on their proven expertise in this area, on their ability to deliver on time and on budget.
Read more about this project here.