Kelowna, B.C. is experiencing rapid population growth and is projected to continue to swell in size over the next two decades. Central Okanagan Public Schools is anticipating this growth and is considering adding several new schools as part of its 2025-26 five-year capital plan. Currently, Kelowna’s population is approximately 155,000, but it could reach 240,000 or 250,000 in 20 years. The school district is looking to build an elementary school downtown, a middle school in the Glenmore area, and a middle/secondary school near UBC Okanagan to accommodate the increasing population.
Kevin Kaardal, the superintendent of Central Okanagan Public Schools, mentioned that they want to stay ahead of the growth curve by building more schools in Kelowna. With schools currently operating at 108 per cent capacity, some parents are finding it challenging to enroll their children in schools. Despite having close to 130 portables on site, the demand for school spaces exceeds the current supply. The school district is looking to address this issue by approving new facilities, with a decision expected to be made no later than May 22 at the next public board meeting.
The growing population in Kelowna has put a strain on existing school facilities, with schools operating beyond their capacity. Kaardal emphasized the need for new schools to ensure that all students have access to quality education. The addition of an elementary school downtown, a middle school in Glenmore, and a middle/secondary school near UBC Okanagan will help alleviate the pressure on existing schools and provide students with more options. By planning ahead and building new schools, Central Okanagan Public Schools aims to meet the educational needs of the growing population in Kelowna.
In 2001, Kelowna’s population was around 96,288, and it quickly rose to 106,707 in just five years. With the city’s current population already at 155,000 and projected to double in size by 2044, there is a pressing need for more school facilities. The proposed new schools, including an elementary school downtown and a middle/secondary school near UBC Okanagan, will help accommodate the increasing number of students. Central Okanagan Public Schools is taking proactive steps to address the growth and ensure that all students have access to education.
The final decision on whether to approve the construction of new schools in Kelowna will be made at the next public board meeting, scheduled for May 22. The school district is working to ensure that all students, including those in full schools, have access to quality education by building new facilities. By anticipating the population growth and planning for new schools, Central Okanagan Public Schools aims to provide students with the necessary resources in a rapidly expanding city. The addition of new schools will not only address the current capacity issues but also help prepare for future growth and ensure that all students have equal access to education in Kelowna.
