Work to build a brand new elementary school in Kamloops has begun.
The Ministry of Education says construction is underway on the future Sníne Elementary, a 485-seat school being built with over $65-million in Province-provided funding.
"As more cities like Kamloops experience record population growth, our government is continuing to invest in our schools," said Rachna Singh, minister of education and child care.
"I'm proud that we are providing funding for a new elementary school with a neighbourhood learning centre that will benefit students and families in the Pineview Valley area for years to come."
The school’s design uses mass timber and includes greenhouse gas reduction measures, which the Province says will set the building’s emissions at least 50% lower than current gold standards.
It will serve students from kindergarten through Grade 7 and be used for programs and services, like child care, that will benefit the community as a whole.
Kamloops-Thompson School District superintendent, Dr. Rhonda Nixon called Sníne Elementary a “vital addition” to the city.
“This beautiful new school will create learning opportunities and environments that will inspire students and families to thrive,” she said.
“We appreciate the extensive community engagement with Tk'emlups te Secwépemc chief and council, the District Aboriginal Education Council, employee executive groups, the district parent advisory council, parents, community partners and, importantly, students."
The name Sníne, which means owl in Secwepemctsín, was chosen in April after a public consultation process.
According to the Province, it reflects the significance of Secwepemc culture, where the owl symbolizes wisdom and growth in traditional stories.
The new elementary school is expected to open its doors to students in the fall of 2026.
