Peace region classroom construction projects expected to wrap up by early 2026

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Construction projects at two School District 60 schools are expected to be completed by early 2026.

The additions will bring 200 new student seats to Dr. Kearney Middle School, where an eight-classroom expansion is underway.

“The eight classrooms will be a welcome addition to the building, the district and the community,” School District 60 secretary-treasurer Angela Telford previously told Energeticcity.ca. 

“Building capacity within our schools means more than just adding space; it means creating better opportunities for students to learn and thrive.”

According to district superintendent Stephen Petrucci, construction at Dr. Kearney is anticipated to be completed by early January 2026.

Around the same time, work at Wonowon Elementary School is also expected to wrap up. The project includes four new classroom spaces for 20 additional students, an atrium entrance, a new water well and filtration system and ramps to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

According to a December 2024 news release, the provincial government provided nearly $17 million in funding for the upgrades at Wonowon.

“This project will ensure more students in the Peace region can continue to learn, play and grow in an accessible, modern school for decades to come,” said Bowinn Ma, minister of infrastructure, at the time of the release.

The investment is part of more than $65 million provided by the province since 2017 to schools in School District 60, Peace River North.