The opening of a new elementary school in Surrey this week brings a short-term solution to chronic overcrowding, but district leaders caution that the relief may last only a few years.
A Temporary Reprieve for a Growing District
École Snokomish Elementary welcomed students this week in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood. While its opening, combined with a slight dip in enrolment this fall—the first in 25 years—has eased some pressure, school board chair Gary Tymoschuk stated the district's need for space remains critical.
"Our list for new schools is enormous," Tymoschuk emphasized. The district is anxiously waiting for provincial approval to build more facilities, as no other schools are currently under construction beyond some additions to existing buildings.
The Rise of the Vertical School
Standing three storeys tall next to Goldstone Park, Snokomish represents a shift in school design for Surrey. Tymoschuk explained the evolution: "Back in the day, when land was so abundant here in Surrey, schools were sprawling. One-storey schools worked... Now, just because of the cost of land and trying to fit as much into the space, we’re now looking at three."
The district acknowledges that building vertically incurs extra costs for elements like staircases and an elevator. However, it leads to savings elsewhere, such as requiring a smaller roof footprint.
Honouring History with Modern Design
The school's name, chosen in collaboration with the Semiahmoo First Nation, honours the Snokomish people who once lived near the Serpentine and Nicomekl rivers. Principal Laura Grills noted the community was heavily impacted by smallpox and influenza, with survivors later joining the Semiahmoo and Kwantlen First Nations.
The $44 million facility, with a total capacity for 655 students, currently enrols 420 across its 27 classrooms. Its design is inspired by the Indigenous medicine wheel, with classrooms encircling a central courtyard.
The building features floor-to-ceiling windows, breakout rooms for collaboration, an open-concept library, and a "maker space." Diamond shapes on the interior and exterior walls reflect Coast Salish weaving patterns.
With its innovative design, Snokomish Elementary provides a modern learning environment and a temporary buffer. Yet, it stands as a clear indicator that Surrey's struggle for adequate school space is far from over.
