Cedar Hill Middle School Opening Delayed by Two Days

The opening of the new Cedar Hill Middle School in Greater Victoria has been postponed by at least two days, according to the Greater Victoria School District (SD61). Initially scheduled to welcome students on September 2, 2025, the school will now open no earlier than September 4, 2025. The district communicated this delay to families last week.

In a statement, SD61 Superintendent Deb Whitten expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of staff and families during this transition. “We are very much looking forward to when it comes time for students to enter and explore the new building and ultimately have a safer, accessible, and more modern space to learn,” she stated.

Construction on the new facility commenced in November 2023, adhering to the latest seismic safety codes. The new school, with an investment of approximately $54 million, is designed to accommodate 21 classrooms along with features such as heat pumps, a geothermal field, and solar panels.

In addition to traditional classrooms, the facility will house dedicated spaces for art, drama, music, foods, textiles, and a skills and technology shop. It will also include a gym, library, breakout learning spaces, and an Indigenous Welcome Space.

A key aspect of the construction is its commitment to sustainability, with the school expected to achieve a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to buildings meeting only minimum code requirements. This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices within educational infrastructure.

The original Cedar Hill Middle School, which dates back to 1931, was replaced to better serve the community and provide a modern educational environment. As families await the new school’s opening, the district remains focused on ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible for everyone involved.