Colwood Secures Land for New French-Language School

Colwood’s Royal Bay neighbourhood has been selected as the future site for a new French-language school. The land acquisition, undertaken by the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF), marks a significant step towards expanding educational opportunities for the francophone community in British Columbia.

The new school will join existing CSF institutions in Saanich and Esquimalt, making it the third francophone school in Greater Victoria. According to a news release from the provincial government, this initiative aims to fulfill the growing demand for educational facilities that cater to the region’s francophone population. The province has committed $25 million to support the land purchase in Colwood.

Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “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.” She emphasized her eagerness to witness the development of a school that will enhance the cultural landscape of the area.

Expansion of Francophone Education in B.C.

In addition to the Colwood project, the provincial government has identified land in Abbotsford for another francophone school. These two new institutions will contribute to the 47 public francophone schools currently operating across British Columbia. Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted the importance of these developments, stating, “Francophone families deserve schools that reflect and support their language and culture.”

Furthermore, the Minister noted that these land acquisitions complement ongoing plans for new CSF schools in Pemberton and Burnaby, ensuring that francophone students receive the necessary support for years to come.

Before the construction of the new schools can proceed, the CSF will need to submit a request for funding as part of future budget discussions. This request will be considered alongside proposals from other school districts throughout British Columbia. Once funding is secured, the CSF will collaborate with the provincial government to create detailed business plans that will outline the schools’ size, design, student capacity, and projected opening timelines.

The establishment of these new francophone schools in Colwood and Abbotsford underscores the commitment of the British Columbia government to enhance educational access for diverse communities. As these plans unfold, they promise to bolster the presence of French-language education in the province, reflecting the needs and aspirations of its francophone residents.