The 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 benefit from two major school construction projects, designed to serve growing enrolment and provide improved learning environments.
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.
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.”
The replacement school, which will serve students from kindergarten to Grade seven, will also be a French Immersion Dual-Track School. It 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 a neighbourhood learning centre with space for childcare. The new school is expected to open in 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.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Bowinn Ma, said the board of trustees advocated and worked on these projects for years.
“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 new and expanded schools will support students and families for generations. The schools will also offer engaging spaces where learners can thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.