Construction begins on new Hazel Trembath Elementary School after devastating fire

Construction is underway for a new Hazel Trembath Elementary School in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, following the destruction of the original building by a fire in October 2023. The provincial government announced on Monday that the replacement school will utilize a "first-in-B.C. hybrid-construction approach" designed to expedite its opening.

The new facility will accommodate 240 students and feature dedicated spaces for future child care, along with two kindergarten classrooms and eight elementary classrooms. It is slated to open its doors in December 2027. The cost of this project is estimated to be nearly $39 million.

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Like many of you, I remember when the fire happened, a criminal act of vandalism, if there ever was one, and like the community, just devastated.

An investigation by the RCMP determined that the fire which destroyed the school was both human-caused and criminal in nature. However, no individuals have been charged in connection with the incident. "Like many of you, I remember when the fire happened, a criminal act of vandalism, if there ever was one, and like the community, just devastated," said MLA Mike Farnworth. "Because Hazel Trembath is more than a school, it’s a cornerstone of a community where kids go to learn; they make friends and relationships that often last a lifetime."

Since 2017, the provincial government has supported 11 capital projects within the Coquitlam School District. Eight of these projects are now complete, including an addition to École Dr. Charles Best Secondary School. Three projects remain in progress: the replacement of Hazel Trembath Elementary, the seismic replacement of Montgomery Middle School, and the new Burke Mountain Secondary, which is also scheduled to open in 2027.

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Because Hazel Trembath is more than a school, it’s a cornerstone of a community where kids go to learn; they make friends and relationships that often last a lifetime.