Nearly three years following the suspicious fire that razed Hazel Trembath Elementary School in Port Coquitlam, preparations have commenced for the construction of its replacement. A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held, signaling the start of building the new kindergarten to Grade 5 school.
One of the school’s students, Arya Hehar, expressed excitement about the upcoming improvements, including larger spaces and the reinstatement of amenities like playgrounds and the pond. The new facility will be the first of its kind in British Columbia to utilize hybrid construction techniques, incorporating prefabricated elements in many classrooms and main areas. This innovative approach is expected to expedite the construction timeline, with the school set to open by winter 2027, saving an entire academic year.
Despite the progress, the provincial government has faced criticism from the community for what some perceive as a sluggish rebuilding process. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West voiced concerns over the delays, emphasizing the necessity of promptly restoring the school after the devastating fire.
The replacement school, with a capacity of 240 seats, comes with a price tag of $39 million. It will feature two kindergarten classrooms, eight elementary classrooms, and a neighborhood learning center intended for future child-care services.
Principal Jason Hewlett acknowledged the challenges the school community has endured since the 2023 fire, noting the significant effort invested behind the scenes to reach this milestone. While an RCMP investigation determined the fire to be human-caused and criminal, no individuals were charged in connection with the incident.