To better support francophone students in Abbotsford and Victoria Westshore, land has been purchased to build French-language schools.
“Francophone families deserve schools that reflect and support their language and culture,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “These two site acquisitions, along with new Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) schools underway in Pemberton and Burnaby, will help ensure francophone students are supported for years to come.”
British Columbia’s francophone community continues to grow and thrive. The Province works closely with CSF to ensure francophone students have access to high-quality, innovative French-language education. With 47 public francophone schools operating throughout B.C. and more underway, government is working to support this important community.
“Francophone students in British Columbia deserve opportunities to learn and thrive in a school environment that reflects their language and culture,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. “These investments show our government’s continued commitment to supporting the vitality of the francophone community and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education close to home.”
The new schools will be in:
- the Royal Bay neighbourhood in Victoria West (Colwood); and
- the Ten Oaks neighbourhood in Abbotsford.
The Province will consider the CSF’s new school requests for these sites alongside requests from 59 other school districts as part of future budget cycles. Once supported, CSF will work with government to develop business plans for the schools, which will include the size and design of each school, the number of students they will accommodate and the timelines for opening.
Government has provided $25 million for Victoria West and $26 million for Abbotsford site acquisitions.
“Each new project expands opportunities for families to provide their children with a French-language education rooted in their community,” said Marie-Pierre Lavoie, board chair, CSF. “The CSF is pleased with the announcements regarding new sites in Victoria West (Colwood) and Abbotsford. These acquisitions pave the way for modern, welcoming schools that will meet the needs of francophone families in the region.”
The land purchase for a new CSF school will be the first of its kind in Abbotsford, marking a milestone for French-language education. The land purchase in Victoria West marks the start of a third CSF school in the Victoria area, ensuring this growing region has the schools needed to support the thriving francophone community.
“The Fédération des parents is very pleased with the announcement of the acquisition of these two sites, a crucial step that will enable the creation of sustainable learning environments tailored to the needs of our children,” said Christian Leclerc, president, Fédération des parents francophones de Colombie-Britannique. “This is a significant step forward for parents, families and the growing francophone communities in Victoria West and Abbotsford who have long hoped for access to francophone education in their local area.”
Since 2017, the Province has approved approximately $300 million to support and expand francophone-education infrastructure throughout B.C. This is part of government’s work to build new and expanded schools in the province for students and families. Government is committed to continuing to work together with the CSF to support francophone education throughout British Columbia and expand access for families.
Quote:
Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood —
“As more families choose Colwood as their home, it’s encouraging to see plans moving forward to support all young learners, including those in the francophone community. I look forward to seeing plans progress for a new school that will become a vibrant part of our growing community.”
