New SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary Opens in Langford for 2025/2026 Year

A new elementary school is set to welcome students in Langford, British Columbia, for the 2025/2026 school year. The SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary, located at 802 Latoria Road, is designed to accommodate up to 480 students from kindergarten through Grade 5. This project, initiated in 2020, aims to address increasing enrollment in one of the province’s fastest-growing cities.

The official announcement of the project’s land acquisition was made by then-education minister Rob Fleming. In recognition of the local Indigenous community, the school was named by the Scia’new First Nation. The community is looking forward to the positive impact this school will have on families in the area.

Ravi Parmar, the MLA for Langford-Highlands, expressed enthusiasm about the new school opening. “Langford is a great place to call home, and I am thrilled to see the new SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary school opening for students,” he stated. “I can’t wait to see the halls filled with laughter, backpacks on the hooks, and the start of new memories for the students.”

Enhancing Infrastructure for Safety

In conjunction with the school’s opening, the City of Langford announced improvements to the surrounding infrastructure. Sidewalks and protected bike lanes will be added along Latoria Road, with the city reporting that this infrastructure is “nearing completion.” These enhancements aim to create safe and convenient transportation options for residents of all ages.

Langford officials noted that adjustments to school catchment areas will also take effect. Students from McCormick Meadows, previously assigned to the Happy Valley School catchment, will now be included in the SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary catchment. The city recognized concerns from residents who currently walk to Happy Valley School using sidewalks but lack a direct, safe route to the new school.

To address these concerns, the city has implemented interim solutions. These include a protected, accessible paved multi-use path along Happy Valley Road and Latoria Road, connecting Lobo Vale to Pritchard Creek Road. Additionally, a new crosswalk will be established at the intersection of Happy Valley Road and Luxton Road.

Future Developments in Active Transportation

Looking ahead, Langford plans to incorporate more permanent measures as part of the Phase 2 and 3 of the Happy Valley and Latoria Active Transportation Project. These phases will depend on grant funding applications and the annual budget approval process.

The city’s commitment to enhancing pedestrian safety reflects a broader goal of creating a community that supports active transportation. As SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary opens its doors, local officials and community members anticipate a bright future for education and infrastructure in Langford.

The completion of this long-awaited project marks a significant step in accommodating the needs of a growing population, ensuring that children have access to quality education in a safe environment.