Port Coquitlam Mayor Demands Action on Rebuilding School

UPDATE: Nearly two years after the devastating fire that destroyed Hazel Trembath Elementary School in Port Coquitlam, B.C., Mayor Brad West is calling out the provincial government for its lack of progress on rebuilding the school. On October 14, 2023, a suspicious fire left approximately 200 students displaced, and the site has remained barren since then.

Mayor West criticized the government’s inaction, stating, “Here we are, two years later and we’ve got no shovels in the ground.” He expressed frustration over the absence of a clear plan or timeline for the school’s reconstruction, adding, “It is creating a lot of uncertainty and a lot of stress, a lot of upset feelings in our community.”

In March, B.C. Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma announced that funding for the school would be included in the 2025 budget, but did not provide specific timelines for the project. West emphasized the community’s ongoing struggle, stating, “We shouldn’t have to fight so darn hard. This should not require so much effort and advocacy from the community to just have the government do what it said it was going to do.”

The prolonged absence of Hazel Trembath Elementary has disrupted students’ education, leading to declining enrollment as families seek more stability in their children’s schooling. Mayor West recently sent his fifth letter to the province regarding the school’s status, declaring, “In the case of Hazel Trembath, the only thing standing in the way of building a new school appears to be the province itself.” He has invited provincial ministers to engage with the community to understand firsthand the ongoing impact of the situation on families and staff.

Addressing rumors of potential condo development on the school’s site, West firmly stated, “Over my dead body. The only thing that will happen there is a school, and it will remain a public space.” His passionate commitment underlines the community’s determination for a swift resolution.

As the city awaits a response from the provincial government, the urgency for action grows. Parents and community members are increasingly anxious, with the future of their children’s education hanging in the balance.

Stay tuned for updates as CTV News continues to seek a comment from the province regarding this pressing issue.