School District No. 35

LANGLEY – Construction is underway on the largest public-school infrastructure project in the province's history, with two new schools in Langley on a joint campus that will create 2,800 student spaces.

"As Langley grows, schools need to grow, too," said Premier David Eby. "These two schools will serve generations of Langley's kids. Building two new schools on the same site at the same time is a smart use of space, time and resources, and is just one example of how we are speeding up community-building projects throughout the province."

Supporting Langley families

The two new schools, Smith Secondary and Smith Middle school, will share the Province's first joint campus in the Lower Mainland. Located in the Willoughby area of Langley, this area has experienced rapid growth over the past 15 years, growing by an estimated 25%. A joint campus for the two schools was determined to be the best way to maximize space and keep pace with continued growth. Construction is underway, with both schools expected to open in fall 2027.

Increasing benefits through a joint campus

• Smith Secondary school includes space for 1,900 students and Smith Middle school includes space for 900 students, helping meet the enrolment needs of the growing community and ensuring kids have the classrooms they need to thrive.
• Locating both schools on the same site will ease the transition for students from middle to high school and help build a community hub for families in the area.
• A new neighbourhood learning centre will be included at Smith Middle school to support child care and community programs.
• Each school will have its own gym and elective core spaces, with some shared building mechanical space due to proximity.
• Incorporating greenhouse gas reduction designs in both schools supports sustainability while delivering long-term savings through reduced energy costs.

"This is a major investment in Langley's future," said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. "As the community grows, we're making sure families have the schools and classrooms they need close to home, now and for many years ahead."

Supporting Langley students

Since 2017, the Province has committed almost $600 million to create nearly 5,000 new seats and more than 1,500 seismically safer seats for Langley students.

• This includes new schools and classrooms in neighbourhoods throughout Langley, to help meet enrolment growth and ensure kids have the spaces they need to thrive, closer to home.
• Smith Secondary school is receiving approximately $203 million, while Smith Middle school is supported with approximately $103 million.

"Every student deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, engaging environment," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. "These new schools will give students in Langley the space and resources they need to succeed, while supporting teachers and staff with the modern facilities they deserve."

Creating more student spaces across B.C.

Since 2017, the Province has committed more than $6.6 billion in schools:

• creating nearly 46,500 new student spaces across the province
• establishing more than 39,000 seismically safer seats in B.C. schools
• including nearly 5,000 new student spaces and more than 1,500 seismically safer seats for Langley students

The Province remains committed to working with both school districts and municipalities to provide all students with safe, modern and inspiring places to learn.

Quotes:

Candy Ashdown, chair, Langley Board of Education:

"The board is very excited to see construction begin on two innovative new schools that will serve the evolving needs of our learners, now and in the future, while also helping to alleviate enrolment pressures in our fast-growing district. We are grateful for the support of our provincial and municipal partners, whose shared commitment has made this important project a reality."

Eric Woodward, mayor, Township of Langley:

"The Township of Langley is investing in long-term projects that benefit everyone, and Smith Athletic Park is a prime example. This $150-million facility, now featuring three new outdoor playing fields with a fourth indoor facility planned, sits alongside the new Smith Middle and High schools to create a 35-acre education and youth soccer campus. By enhancing natural spaces and providing quality sport and recreation opportunities, these projects will serve students and residents alike, strengthening our community for years to come."

Learn More:

For more information about K-12 school capital projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital

Previous announcement: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024ECC0124-001460

Contact:

Ministry of Infrastructure 

Media Relations

778 676-2064