School children in Fort St. John will soon have better access to education, community services and recreation through the development of a new elementary school.

“Our government has committed to addressing the backlog of capital projects in fast-growing communities. We’re investing in our children and working hard to build schools that are desperately needed,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education.

“Students deserve to go to school in modern, healthy learning environments, so they can thrive in their education, and succeed in life.”

The new Northeast Elementary school will accommodate the growing population. Since 2012, the city’s hospital has had more than 600 births a year.

“We’re excited to have approval from the Ministry of Education to move forward on a second new elementary school,” said Jaret Thompson, Peace River North School Board deputy chair.

“Our district has been challenged with space pressures for some time, and we’re glad to begin work on this second innovative learning space, situated in the northeast side of the city.”

The province will be providing up to $30.8 million and the Peace River School District will contribute $300,000 for the build.

Once the build is complete, the Peace River North School District should have the K-6 school capacity needed.

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