A new Parkcrest Elementary school will be open by spring 2024, the BC government has announced.
The school was destroyed in a fire in September 2019.
Construction will begin in summer 2022, the province explained, with special attention paid to energy efficiency and a reduction greenhouse gas emissions.
The new school will also feature increased capacity for 120 more students, a neighbourhood learning centre and a larger gymnasium.
The provincial government will invest $34.84 million and the Kamloops-Thompson School District will invest $300,000 in the 510-place school.
The City of Kamloops, meanwhile, has committed up to $2.5 million for the additional space required for a larger gym and changeroom facilities for sporting events.
"Parkcrest students, staff and families have gone through a lot since they lost their school in a devastating fire," said Jennifer Whiteside, the minister of education.
"Schools are the foundation of our communities, and that's why our government continues to invest in fast-growing communities like Kamloops. This new school will provide students, families and the community with an expanded, safe and modern learning environment that will allow them to grow and thrive in for many years to come."
The school will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards, the government said.
Rhonda Kershaw, chair of the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education, said “this bigger, brighter and modern space will be a welcome new home for the displaced school community.”
Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian added: "Rebuilding the school supports a revitalized and expanding neighbourhood, and we are happy to partner in this project.”
