$28.5 million for two schools in Central Okanagan
By Contributor
Government is investing more than $28.5 million for the new Mar Jok Elementary in West Kelowna and the expansion of Okanagan Mission Secondary in Kelowna.
The new Mar Jok Elementary will help address district enrolment growth by creating space for 460 students in kindergarten to Grade 6.
The new school is part of a joint development with the City of West Kelowna and will include a community park, playfield and other Neighbourhood Learning Centre elements.
“Last fall the Premier announced funding to expand current schools or build new ones in areas with considerable enrolment growth,” said Education Minister Don McRae.
“We are making steady progress with these high-priority projects to ensure we have the right infrastructure in place to support student learning, today and in the future.”
Okanagan Mission Secondary is also located in an area with a growing school-aged population. The addition will provide 300 new student spaces and a Neighbourhood Learning Centre with upgraded drama room and related facilities for community use.
The Central Okanagan school district will consult with community partners in the coming months to determine the specific educational and community services that will be offered at both schools as part of their new Neighbourhood Learning Centres.
Construction will begin in the spring of 2013 and both projects are expected to be complete by fall 2014.
The projects are part of the $353-million capital plan announced by Premier Christy Clark in October 2011.
