School District 43 (SD43) and the City of Coquitlam have announced the date and location for a public information session for the new Burke Mountain school and park.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 26 from 5–8 p.m. at Smiling Creek Elementary School, 3456 Princeton Ave., to talk about how the school and park site will be developed.
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 district and the city.
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 web pages.
Open by fall of 2026
The 9.35-ha. (23.1 acre) site located at 3390/3400 David Ave. 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 m 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.
Last year, then-premier John Horgan announced $125 million for the school while the school district also had to put $25 million toward the project.
World-class facility
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 a joint press release, board chair Michael Thomas, a Port Coquitlam trustee, and Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart stated that they were excited for the project to get to the next stage.
"This open house is an important step in getting to construction and, eventually, welcoming students, families and park visitors to this site,” stated Stewart.
Thomas acknowledged the City of Coquitlam in aiding the school district to accelerate the project.
"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," Thomas stated.
