Plans are pushing ahead as School District 52 has announced a timeline for the new Prince Rupert Middle School’s completion.
A much-needed reconstruction of the school was announced on Sept. 5, 2023, when the province provided $126.8 million toward the project.
SD52 Chairperson Kate Toye said the school board is expecting to begin construction by next spring, and fully open the school for the beginning of the 2027 school year. The reconstruction is currently in its public information and feedback phase, with design and permitting to begin this spring.
The first open house was held by SD52 on Feb. 5 to hear community input for the project, with more unscheduled meetings to come.
Toye said that while there are certain parameters the public school has to follow, they are looking for community members to let their thoughts be known.
“We really want the community to know that we envision this as a community school,” said Toye.
“We really value the input that we’re going to have and hope to continuously have from the community.”
A seismic replacement team has been set up comprising SD 52 staff, Vancouver School Board Operations project managers and Vancouver-based KMBR architects to lead the project.
READ MORE: Prince Rupert’s complicated relationship with international students