Construction is underway on new K-12 classrooms in Burnaby, adding over 1,000 student spaces to meet the needs of the growing community. These projects aim to improve learning environments while providing families with modern, safe schools.
The new projects, starting in summer 2025, include a Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF) elementary school in north Burnaby with 360 seats and 15 classrooms, an expansion at Kitchener Elementary in Burnaby Heights adding 500 seats and 20 classrooms, and an addition with seismic upgrades at Brentwood Park Elementary adding 165 seats and seven classrooms.
Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North, said supporting schools is one of the most important steps for the community. She explained that these projects give families access to the educational services and opportunities they deserve. Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, added that the new schools will provide the space students need now and in the future while helping strengthen neighborhoods.
The new CSF elementary school will be Burnaby’s first French-language school, marking a milestone for francophone education. The school will include 112 on-site French-language child care spaces, giving families convenient early-learning options. Brentwood Park Elementary will also expand before- and after-school care, supporting working parents and easing daily routines.
Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care, said the CSF school allows children to access francophone culture and language close to home. She added that combining school and child care in one location removes daily hurdles for parents, ensuring children start their day safe, supported, and ready to learn. Marie-Pierre Lavoie, board chair of the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, noted the new school responds to a community need that has existed for over 10 years. She said it reduces commute times and ensures equitable access to French-language education across the region.
Kristin Schnider, chair of the Burnaby Board of Education, explained that these projects address enrollment pressures while creating quality learning environments. She said the investments benefit both current students and the community for years to come. Over the past eight years, the province has invested more than $375 million in Burnaby schools, creating over 1,400 new student seats and more than 4,300 seismically safer seats.
Gaby Maioli, chair of the Burnaby District Parent Advisory Council, welcomed the improvements, noting that families have long advocated for safer and larger learning spaces. She said these projects show ongoing provincial support that keeps pace with Burnaby’s growth and the needs of children.
Beyond adding student seats, the new school construction strengthens local infrastructure. Modern classrooms, accessible child care, and safer learning spaces will support students, families, and staff, improving the overall community. These projects ensure Burnaby students have better opportunities for education, convenient child care, and safe environments to learn and grow.
