New K-12 Francophone School to Enhance Education in Saanich

Plans for a new K-12 francophone school in Saanich are set to provide an additional 465 student spaces, significantly enhancing access to French-language education in the Greater Victoria area. This initiative aims to replace the temporary Beausoleil program, which currently serves 170 elementary students at the Braefoot Elementary site. The new École Beausoleil will be constructed on a subdivided lot at the Lansdowne Middle School property.

Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “This new school will ensure francophone students can learn in a safe, modern environment that reflects their culture and community.” The permanent school will accommodate an additional 295 students, bringing the total capacity to 465.

Features of the New School

The new school will feature 20 classrooms, child-care facilities, and community programming. It will be designed with a focus on low-carbon building practices, aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. École Beausoleil will join École Victor-Brodeur as the region’s second K-12 francophone school, providing families with more options for French-language education.

The project is backed by a provincial investment of nearly $73 million, with construction expected to commence in fall 2027. Marie-Pierre Lavoie, board chair of the Conseil scolaire francophone, expressed excitement about the development, stating, “This new school is a collective dream we’ve had for a long time and it’s finally coming true.” She highlighted that the school represents the resilience, pride, and commitment of generations of families, educational staff, and francophone leaders in the Victoria area.

Investment in Francophone Education

Since 2017, the British Columbia government has invested nearly $300 million in francophone education infrastructure, which includes 12 site acquisitions and seven school expansions or replacements across the province. This ongoing commitment underscores the government’s dedication to improving educational opportunities for francophone students and their communities.

The new École Beausoleil is poised to play a crucial role in supporting the growth of the francophone community in Saanich and ensuring that students receive an education that reflects their linguistic and cultural heritage.