Construction is now underway on a new addition at Suwilaawks Community School that will add 95 new student seats.
Once completed, the project is expected to increase the school’s capacity to more than 400 seats.
The addition is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026. Suwilaawks Community School is situated on Tsimshian territory and serves families in the Terrace area.
“Investing in schools supports families today and builds strong communities,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “This project will ensure families in Terrace have the room their children need to thrive in school today and for years to come.”
The addition will include four prefabricated classrooms and an energy-efficient design to keep classrooms comfortable throughout the school year.
It will also feature gender-neutral washrooms, accessible areas for students with mobility issues, improved heating and cooling, better lighting and sound control, and enhanced safety and seismic features.
“By expanding Suwilaawks Community School, we are not just adding seats; we are also creating opportunities for innovative learning and supporting the well-being of every student,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care.
“This addition will allow teachers to help students reach their full potential.”
The province is investing $6 million in the project. The Coast Mountains School District will receive more than $4.3 million in the 2025-26 school year through various capital programs of the Ministry of Infrastructure, including $2,137,266 through the annual facility grant and $2,207,000 through the school enhancement program.
“As a board, we’re committed to ensuring every child in Terrace has access to safe, inspiring spaces to learn,” said Margaret Warcup, board chair of the Coast Mountains School District.
“This addition at Suwilaawks Community School reflects our long-term vision for supporting growing enrolment and strengthening the learning environment for students today and into the future.”
Since 2017, the province has invested more than $6.7 billion to create tens of thousands of new and seismically safer student seats in B.C., many of which are already complete.
The province continues to work with school districts and communities to ensure students have safe and modern learning environments as enrolment grows.
