Minister of Infrastructure, Bowinn Ma, left, and Naomi Bailey, chair of the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Board of Education, during the Wednesday, April 8, announcement at Ladysmith Intermediate.
By Mandy Moraes, NLPS staff
Ladysmith students and families will soon see construction begin on a brand new new seismically safe elementary school and an expansion to Ladysmith Primary following an announcement by the provincial government this week.
The projects include a new, fully prefabricated seismic replacement for Ladysmith Intermediate and a 10-classroom expansion at Ladysmith Primary. Together, the projects will create approximately 390 new student spaces and provide modern, accessible facilities built to support student success. The replacement school will be built at the former École Davis Road Elementary site.
Once complete, Ladysmith with have two Kindergarten to Grade 7 elementary schools: the new school building on Davis Road and an expanded school at Ladysmith Primary. The school in Ladysmith’s south end on Davis Road will be dual track English and French Immersion.
At the construction project announcement, held on April 8, the chair of the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Board of Education, Naomi Bailey, said she was excited for the community.
“On behalf of the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools board, we are excited to share this news,” she said. “This is a significant, generational investment in our schools’ future. We are very grateful to the province. These investments will give students safe, suitable learning spaces where they can belong, grow, and thrive.”
Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside, led the event that was held at Ladysmith Intermediate School, sharing that the new school will be build at Davis Road in the south end of Ladysmith and will serve students from kindergarten to Grade seven and will also be a French Immersion Dual-Track School, allowing Ladysmith to become a walkable community that so many people have missed greatly.
“I’m just vibrating with excitement,” said Higginson. “This really is a full-circle moment. We recognize the importance of kids being able to go to school in safe buildings, close to home. I could not be more thrilled with the progress that is being made here so that kids can continue to grow and thrive in their own communities.”
The new elementary school building will include 90 additional seats from the existing Ladysmith Intermediate, a multi-purpose room, and a gymnasium. Students will enjoy outdoor recreation spaces such as playfields and playgrounds. There will also be space for childcare. The new school is estimated to open in late 2029.
Construction of the two-storey expansion at Ladysmith Primary is expected to start this fall. The expansion will include 10 new classrooms and an accessible elevator. This will ensure the new space is open and welcoming for all learners.
BC Minister of Infrastructure, Bowinn Ma, said the board of trustees advocated and worked on these projects for years. The plans for a replacement of Ladysmith Intermediate with a new dual-track English and French Kindergarten to Grade 7 elementary school was the preferred option following significant consultation by Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools with the community in 2022that indicated the preference for the a new Kindergarten to Grade 7dual-track (English and French) elementary school and expansion to Ladysmith Primary allowing it to become a Kindergarten to Grade 7 school as well.
“The replacement of Ladysmith Intermediate will also be the first entirely prefabricated permanent school built in B.C.,” she said. “These are not portables. We are using a construction technique that allows classroom additions and a new school to be built for less cost and faster than traditional stick-built. The new facility has all the amenities, but uses more innovative technology while still meeting our high standards for schools.”
Ma also said the total investment for both projects will be $52 million. This includes $15 million for the primary school expansion and $37 million for the new build.
As construction moves forward, the school district will continue to provide timely updates to families and the community. The schools will also offer engaging spaces where learners can feel they can belong, grow, and thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.