BC Gov News
From Township of Langley: https://www.tol.ca/en/news/unique-partnership-explores-early-replacement-of-school-and-new-amenities-for-langley-families.aspx
An innovative, first-of-its-kind partnership in B.C. between the Township of Langley, the Province, and the Langley School District aims to accelerate the planning and delivery of a replacement elementary school and new community amenities for local families.
“Langley is growing quickly and our government has been investing at record levels to build new and expanded schools for families,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “We’re pleased to work with the Township of Langley and the Langley School District on new ways to deliver modern infrastructure for families in their communities.”
During an engagement process for new community amenities, the Township identified a partnership opportunity for the Province and the Langley School District. This innovative and collaborative partnership explores the opportunity to relocate and replace Willoughby Elementary School and plan a community centre, public plaza, and green space, for the current elementary school site.
The replacement school would be built on six acres of undeveloped Township land along 80 Avenue, next to the Langley Tennis Centre within the south portion of Yorkson Community Park. This location could offer students closer access to parks and recreation opportunities. While the current Willoughby Elementary remains a safe learning environment for students, a new school could offer a modernized building and proximity to additional amenities. The current location of the school could be an ideal site for the neighbourhood’s new community centre due to its central location and proximity to major bus routes and the Willoughby Town Centre.
“As Willoughby continues to grow, families have been clear that we need an aquatic and community centre to keep pace,” said Eric Woodward, Mayor, Township of Langley. “The Township took the lead in bringing forward a practical solution and working with the Province and the Langley School District to make it possible. This direction supports a replacement Willoughby Elementary for students and staff, while creating the opportunity for a new library, pools, gymnasiums, seniors and youth spaces, and areas for outdoor gathering in the heart of Willoughby.”
The partnership has been formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed to by the Township, the Province and the School District. Next a feasibility study will be conducted by the Township to determine costs, timelines and next steps.
If the proposal moves forward:
- the Township would fund the replacement school and lead its design, permitting, and construction
- the replacement school would be built to provincial standards
- once the school is complete, the property in the south section of Yorkson Community Park would transfer to the Langley School District, while the current school site would transfer to the Township
- ongoing engagement with the community, partners and interest holders would continue to shape the project plan
“The Board of Education is pleased to work with our partners and be part of a process to plan the building of a new Willoughby Elementary for students,” said Candy Ashdown, Board Chair of the Langley School District. “Together we can support changes that benefit our students, their families, and community members in Langley.”
The Township, School District and Province will have more to share on next steps in the coming months.