North Vancouver opens first newly built elementary school in 35 years

North Vancouver has opened its first newly built elementary school in 35 years, providing space for 585 students and 92 child-care spots for children under five.

The Province of B.C. announced the opening of Cloverley Elementary School, a $61-million facility built as demand for student spaces and child-care services rises with the community's growth. The school uses mass-timber construction and energy-efficient features intended to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and its environmental footprint.

Bowinn Ma, B.C.'s Minister of Infrastructure, said the project holds a special place among the hundreds of major capital projects being delivered by her ministry across the province because it is in her home community. She thanked parents, the school district and local community members who continued to advocate for the school, saying the investment is intended to serve local families for generations.

Antje Wilson, chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education, said the new school responds to the needs of a growing community with 585 student seats, child-care spaces and a modern learning environment. She thanked the province and the partners involved in bringing the project to completion.

Provincial officials said the school will help meet the needs of community families while providing a modern learning environment for future generations.