New Westminster Schools is unique because the city’s population density means 11 out of 12 district schools operate below provincial site area standards for schools of a specific size. This results in reduced play space for students and that space decreases every time a portable is installed.

While the district tries to compensate for smaller school play spaces by situating them next to city parks, this limits options in terms of building major school expansions or placing more portables.

A table showing how every school - elementary, middle, and secondary - except one (F.W. Howay) in New Westminster falls short of provincial area standards.

Learn more about our capacity crisis