Kelowna Secures $101 Million for New Middle School Development

The provincial government of British Columbia has announced funding for a new middle school in Kelowna, designated as Burtch Road Middle School. This significant investment amounts to $101 million and will create 800 new seats for students in Grades 7 to 9. The school will be constructed on property owned by the school district, located adjacent to the Apple Bowl.

Originally, this site was considered for a secondary school. However, due to size limitations, the decision shifted towards establishing a middle school. While no completion date has been confirmed, the development of Burtch Road Middle School is anticipated to alleviate enrolment pressures at nearby schools. Specifically, it could enable École Dr. Knox Valley Middle, which recently expanded, to transition into a secondary school serving the Glenmore area. This change aims to reduce the growing demand at École Kelowna Secondary.

Julie Fraser, chair of the Central Okanagan Board of Education, expressed enthusiasm about the new development. “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,” she stated in the provincial news release.

In discussing the broader implications of this funding, Bowinn Ma, the province’s Infrastructure Minister, highlighted that the new school contributes to a larger initiative, which includes over $400 million allocated for building and upgrading educational facilities in the Central Okanagan. “As more families choose Kelowna, we need to make sure students have the schools they need to succeed,” Ma remarked.

Since 2017, the provincial government has invested in nearly 4,400 new spaces for students in the Central Okanagan region, with 1,770 spaces already completed. Current construction projects include the new Westside Secondary and various modular additions to existing schools. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on portable classrooms and address the increasing demand for educational facilities in the area.

The establishment of Burtch Road Middle School represents a proactive step towards accommodating the growing population in Kelowna and enhancing the educational landscape for future generations. As the community continues to expand, such investments will play a crucial role in ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all students.