With funding approved for a new middle school, 800 new seats are coming to support students in Kelowna.

“As more families choose Kelowna, we need to make sure students have the schools they need to succeed,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “This new middle school is just one of many investments we’re making in the Okanagan to help meet growing demand and ensure students are supported for years to come.”

The new Burtch Road Middle school will add 800 new seats for young learners in the Glenmore neighbourhood of Kelowna.

“We welcome this provincial investment in our students and growing community,” said Julia Fraser, chair, Central Okanagan Public Schools’ (SD23) Board of Education. “A new middle school in the heart of Kelowna will ease pressure on other schools and offer myriad community connections for our students and families.”

The new school will include culturally responsive spaces designed in consultation with Indigenous communities. These spaces will reflect government’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and providing students with a culturally supportive learning environment.

This project is expected to cost approximately $101 million, and will add to an investment of more than $400 million for building and upgrading schools in Kelowna.

Since 2017, the Province has funded nearly 4,400 new spaces for Kelowna students, 1,770 of which are complete. The Province will continue working closely with the Central Okanagan School District to meet the needs of students and families.