The province is providing $10.4 million to build a 95-seat Hornby Island Community school. It will replace the previous building, which was lost in a fire in August 2018.
“With a new, modern school coming to Hornby Island, local students will have a better learning experience for generations to come. This will be more than a new school — as a community centre, it will benefit all Hornby Island residents,” said Jennifer Whiteside, minister of education.
The new school is scheduled to be ready for students by Sept. 2022, according to a news release from the province.
“The former Hornby Island Community school was truly the heart of the island’s community,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “After it burned down, I’m proud that our government was quick to provide short-term classrooms for local students so they could keep learning nearby and I’m thankful the new school will soon give them the long-term, safe and modern learning environment they deserve.”
Hornby Island residents used the old elementary school throughout the year and it was the largest facility on the island — containing the only gymnasium. The new school will be built on the same site and will include an expanded gymnasium, according to the province.
“It’s exciting to see the structure take shape, knowing our students and community will be back in such a wonderful, safe learning centre one day soon,” said Sheila McDonnell, chair of the Comox Valley board of education.
