‘We’re proud to invest’: Minister of education praises additions to two northeast B.C. schools

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — B.C.’s minister of education and childcare says the province is proud to invest in education after additions to two northern B.C. schools.

The two northern B.C. schools received $29 million in upgrades and added seating from the Ministry of Infrastructure, according to a press release on March 24th. 

It said Dr. Kearney Middle School in Fort St. John received $12 million in upgrades and Wonowon Elementary School received nearly $17 million. 

“Safe, modern places to learn that are close to home are essential for communities,” said education minister Lisa Beare. “These new classrooms in Fort St. John and Wonowon mean more students can be supported in the north for years to come. We’re proud to invest in schools that help every child feel welcome, comfortable and ready to learn, today and into the future.”

Dr. Kearney Middle School has received eight new classrooms, increasing student capacity from 525 seats to 725 seats. The ministry says the spaces are new, modern, energy-efficient and designed to keep students comfortable year-round. 

New washrooms, corridors, lockers and ventilation systems are also a part of the completed project. 

The Dr. Kearney Middle School project opened in January 2026 after beginning in July 2025.

Wonowon Elementary School also underwent a partial replacement and expansion, which increased the capacity for students from 75 to 95 seats. 

The school also received an upgrade to its water well and filtration system, which the ministry says will provide students and staff with better quality drinking water. 

New accessibility ramps have also been installed at the school. 

Construction on the now-completed project at Wonowon Elementary School began in fall 2024. 

The Wonowon Elementary School upgrades have been fully operational since February 2026. 

Helen Gilbert, board chair at School District 60, says both additions will benefit the local communities. 

“The Dr. Kearney addition has benefited the district by increasing the available number of middle school seats while also freeing up space for other uses, such as a full classroom for our Indigenous student program,” said Gilbert.

“The Wonowon community provided input for the design of the replacement structure and upgrades. In addition to being a safe, modern learning space for students, the building will meet other community needs.”

Since 2017, the government has invested more than $65 million in school projects in School District 60, according to the ministry.