Local Journalism Initiative
Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative, The Northern View
School District 52 staff, joined by hundreds of students, local politicians, and First Nations, gathered at Prince Rupert Middle School to bless the site and mark the ceremonial cleansing and groundbreaking for a much-anticipated new school building.
The new facility is being built adjacent to the existing one in the same location, replacing the original building constructed in 1958. Completion of the project is expected by September 1, 2027.
“The school is in poor condition and predominantly functionally obsolete.”
School District 52
Sm’ooygit Githoon (Alex Campbell) led the traditional blessing ceremony at the construction spot, and various stakeholders participated in a symbolic gravel scoop marked with a golden shovel.
Members of the Gits’iis clan, on whose territory the school is being built, gave speeches. Marlene Clifton led a powerful singing and drumming segment, joined by several students who added their voices and rhythms to the moment.
“The school is in poor condition and predominantly functionally obsolete,” said SD 52 in an April 28 press release. “The current school building has reached its designed life and it became an urgent need for an accessible, seismically safe, modern school.”
In September 2023, the Province announced $126.8 million in funding to replace and rebuild the school, which will serve approximately 600 students.
“Supporting this project will ensure students, staff, and the entire school community are provided with a contemporary, engaging, forward-looking and seismically safe environment in which to flourish,” said SD 52.
The school district stated the new facility will support the Province’s goals for universal childcare by creating space for affordable, culturally safe childcare, which is an essential step toward reconciliation and equitable access for families.
Beyond education, the Province said the project will contribute to B.C.’s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, support local economic recovery and enhance school meal programs. Once complete, the modern school will offer students a healthier, more engaging learning environment while continuing the Province’s commitment to building safe, inspiring schools across B.C.
“I’m so excited it’s finally happening.”
Jennifer Rice, former North Coast–Haida Gwaii MLA
In the 2022/23 school year, Prince Rupert Middle School reported an enrollment of 436 students. With revised projections, the school expects over 47 per cent growth by 2037, reaching an enrollment of 588 students. This is a number the new facility is designed to accommodate.
At the April 29 gathering, SD52 Board Chair Kate Toye shared planning for a new middle school began over a decade ago. Former North Coast–Haida Gwaii MLA Jennifer Rice said the project has been very close to her heart. She has encountered different generations of people frustrated that the project wasn’t progressing.
“I’m so excited it’s finally happening,” said Rice.
Since the plan’s inception, School District 52 has held multiple public engagement sessions, which it will continue to do to understand community needs better and incorporate them into the design process.
“It’s worth the money. It’s going to be fantastic,” said Rice. “What an opportunity to meet the vision of the people who live here and the community that wants it here.”
Roberta Edzerza, District Principal of Indigenous Education, expressed gratitude for the blessing of the land, which she said makes way for future growth, learning, and opportunity. She said the ground has been officially broken with intention, inviting good energy, education, vision, and a strong sense of belonging.
The new space will serve not only as a place of learning from Monday to Friday but also as a gathering place for community-building activities, including gatherings, feasts, and more.
The new Prince Rupert Middle School will span an estimated 5,500 square metres over two storeys and include a Neighbourhood Learning Centre.
KMBR Architects Planners of Vancouver is designing the project.
