B.C. Government Announces New 465-Seat Francophone School in Saanich

The government of British Columbia has unveiled plans to construct a new 465-seat francophone school in Saanich, a project aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for French-speaking students. This new facility will accommodate students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 and is set to replace the existing École Beausoleil.

Located on the same site as Lansdowne Middle School, the new school will significantly increase capacity, expanding from the current 170 students at École Beausoleil, which is temporarily housed on the Braefoot Elementary campus. The construction will feature 20 classrooms, along with dedicated spaces for child care and community programs, all designed with a focus on low-carbon building practices.

Construction is expected to commence in the fall of 2027, with the provincial government allocating $73 million in funding for the project. According to Bowinn Ma, the B.C. Minister of Infrastructure, “This new school will ensure francophone students can learn in a safe, modern environment that reflects their culture and community.”

Broader Impact on Francophone Education

Once completed, the new École Beausoleil will become the second K-12 francophone school in the Greater Victoria area, complementing the existing École Victor-Brodeur located in Esquimalt. The provincial government asserts that providing two full K-12 options for francophone education will substantially benefit the region’s French-speaking population.

Marie-Pierre Lavoie, chair of the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, expressed her enthusiasm for the new school, stating, “For our community, this new school is much more than a building: It is a collective dream we’ve had for a long time, and it’s finally coming true.” She emphasized that the school represents the resilience and commitment of generations of families and educational leaders dedicated to preserving the French language in British Columbia.

The B.C. government has made significant investments in francophone education infrastructure since 2017, totaling nearly $300 million, which includes acquiring 12 new sites. This ongoing commitment reflects the province’s dedication to supporting the French-speaking community and enhancing educational resources.

In summary, the upcoming construction of the new francophone school in Saanich marks a pivotal step forward for the community, promising to enrich the educational landscape for French-speaking students in the region for years to come.