Information Sessions highlight new school vision for New Westminster
Neighbourhoods of Learning and new Massey Theatre featured

New Westminster, BC – The public is invited to attend public information sessions explaining the overall vision and plan for New Westminster’s new school centres being held this month, School District #40 and the City of New Westminster announced today.

“After years of comprehensive consultations, study and research, we are nearing the final steps to making the new schools so badly needed by our community become a reality,” School Board Chair James Janzen said.

The proposed capital project will be one of the largest school projects ever undertaken by the Province at one time and will see three new schools and accompanying community space built. The schools include:

1. a new elementary school at St. Mary’s site
2. a new middle school at John Robson site
3. a new secondary school at the existing New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) site which would include a new performing arts centre to replace the current Massey Theatre

The public is invited to find out more, discuss the proposal and talk to project team leaders at the following Open Houses:

Thursday, Sept 23
7:00 – 9:00 pm
John Robson School Gym
120 Eighth Street

Saturday, Sept 25
3:00 – 5:00 pm
NWSS Library
835 Eighth Street

In addition to the traditional funding from the Ministry of Education, the three new schools will be able to receive an extra 15 percent of funding for expanded space under the Neighbourhood of Learning (NOL) model, a plan that combines school and community space to deliver a hub of health and education services to the families in the area. A number of NOLs are in development across the province with the first to open in the fall of 2011. Centers currently under development include Powell River, Revelstoke, Alberni and Vancouver.

As well, the aging Massey Theatre on the current NWSS site will be replaced with a new state-of-the art theatre.

“These three new school centres and the partnership with the School District provide us with an opportunity to create a state-of-the-art regional theatre in our community,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “The City has made a commitment to provide additional funding required to make this happen.”

During the information sessions members of the public can view presentation boards showing visual detail of the proposed new school centres and key maps that show the planning area. As well, School District employees and City staff will be on hand to answer questions regarding the Neighbourhoods of Learning, the new Massey Theatre and any other capital project related issues.

“Ensuring the children and families of New Westminster have safe and high quality community services is our commitment,” said Janzen. “These new facilities will help our neighbourhoods to grow and develop, encourage children towards higher learning, keep them healthy, and give their parents the supports they need to build successful families.”

Following the public information sessions School District 40 and City staff will incorporate feedback received from the information sessions and finalize the proposed plan in preparation for its submission to the provincial government for final approval.

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For more information on the School’s capital projects, the Neighbourhoods of Learning or the plans for the new Massey Theatre, please visit us online at http://district.sd40.bc.ca/news/capital- or www.newwestcity.ca.

For more information:
Kim Van Bruggen
Communications Manager
School District #40
604-517-6336

Blair Fryer
Communications Manager
City of New Westminster
604-527-4688