Construction begins on new Pitt Meadows Secondary School

Ground was broken Sept. 18 for a new Pitt Meadows Secondary School, marking the formal start of the replacement project. The Ministry of Education and Child Care identified the school as a priority project in March 2023 and announced replacement funding in August 2024.

Education and Child Care Minister Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, said students deserve a safe, modern learning space with culture, opportunity and the tools to succeed. SD42 deputy superintendent Cheryl Schwarz, school board chair Elaine Yamamoto and principal Cathryn Blanco spoke about the school’s longstanding ties to the community. Katzie First Nation Elder Ed Pierre, who attended the school from Grade 8, said the new building will help future students dream big.

Site preparation and temporary parking construction are already underway. Six pre-qualified general contractors received invitations to tender; their bids will be evaluated, with the contract expected to be awarded in October. Main construction is expected to start in November and continue through June 2029, and the school is expected to be ready for students in September 2029.

Blanco said site preparation has complicated fire drills, requiring students to walk a one-kilometre round trip for each drill. About 16 more drills are scheduled during the next three years of construction.