A New Hazel Trembath Elementary Is Taking Shape in Port Coquitlam

A major community investment is underway in Port Coquitlam as construction begins on the new Hazel Trembath Elementary.

After the devastating fire that destroyed the school in October 2023, families and the surrounding community have been waiting for the return of a permanent neighbourhood school. That wait is now moving toward a finish line, with construction officially underway and a December 2027 opening currently expected.

A New School Designed for 240 Students

The replacement Hazel Trembath Elementary will provide 240 student spaces, helping ensure the community has a modern school designed to serve local families for years to come.

The new school will include:

• 2 kindergarten classrooms

• 8 elementary classrooms

• A learning centre designed to accommodate future childcare spaces

• Modern, energy-efficient systems

• EV charging infrastructure

The project represents an investment of nearly $39 million.

A First for B.C.

One of the most interesting aspects of the project isn't immediately visible in the architectural rendering.

Hazel Trembath will be the first school project in British Columbia to use a hybrid construction approach.

Much of the school will be constructed using prefabricated components, while areas such as the gymnasium will use conventional construction methods.

Why does that matter?

The hybrid approach is intended to speed up construction and get students back into their community school sooner than would be possible through a traditional construction approach alone.

For a neighbourhood that has been without its school since the 2023 fire, that timeline is particularly significant.

More Than Just a School

Hazel Trembath has long been an important part of the surrounding community.

A school isn't simply a building where children spend their weekdays. It becomes part of the fabric of a neighbourhood—where children make friends, families connect and generations of residents share experiences.

The replacement school is therefore about more than replacing a building. It represents the return of an important community gathering place.

Part of a Larger Investment in Local Schools

The Hazel Trembath project is also part of a broader investment in schools throughout Coquitlam School District 43.

Since 2017, the provincial government has invested in 11 capital projects within the district. Eight have been completed, while three major projects are currently underway:

🏫 Hazel Trembath Elementary replacement
🏫 Seismic replacement of Montgomery Middle School
🏫 New Burke Mountain Secondary School, also expected to open in 2027

For families living in Port Coquitlam and the surrounding Tri-Cities, these projects are important pieces of the community's ongoing growth.

What This Means for Port Coquitlam

Port Coquitlam continues to evolve, with new housing, infrastructure, schools and community amenities changing the landscape for local families.

For people considering a move to the area, understanding what is being built, where it is being built and when it is expected to be completed can be just as important as looking at today's real estate listings.

The new Hazel Trembath Elementary is a great example of why looking beyond the property itself can provide a better picture of a neighbourhood's future.

📅 Expected opening: December 2027
📍 Location: 1278 Confederation Drive, Port Coquitlam
💰 Project investment: Nearly $39 million
👧 Student capacity: 240

Thinking About Making a Move in Port Coquitlam?

Whether you're considering buying your first home, moving your family or selling a property, local development and infrastructure can be important factors to understand.

I regularly follow what's happening across Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities, so my clients can make informed decisions based on more than just what is happening in today's market.

Thinking about buying or selling? Let's talk about what is happening in your neighbourhood. 🏡

Tara Kennedy
REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
📱 236-992-8989
🌐 TaraKennedy.ca

Sources: Government of British Columbia, Coquitlam School District 43 and Global News.