Construction begins on new Hazel Trembath Elementary School

Construction is officially underway on the new Hazel Trembath Elementary School, SD43 says. Students, families, trustees and honoured guests gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 24 to mark the start of work on the 240-seat school, which will include a neighbourhood learning centre with child-care spaces.

The district says it will use a first-in-B.C. hybrid construction approach to speed up the project. The new school is anticipated to open in winter 2027.

SD43 board chair Michael Thomas said the groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction and an important step toward bringing students home to Port Coquitlam.

Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port-Coquitlam, said the loss of Hazel Trembath Elementary was deeply felt by students, families and the wider community, making the start of construction on its replacement especially meaningful. He said the school and other projects underway across the district will provide students with safe, welcoming spaces.

Lisa Beare, acting Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Education and Child Care, said the projects will ensure Coquitlam School District students have the classrooms they need to succeed. Jennifer Blatherwick, MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville, said investment in schools will help ensure students have the space and learning environments they need to learn and succeed.