New Westminster’s population is on the rise and consistent growth means more households with school-aged children will need space in public schools.

  • New Westminster’s projected school age population according to the 2023 Long Range Facilities Plan is estimated to reach nearly 9,800 by 2037, with the majority being students in the aged 5-10 bracket.
  • Between 90 and 93 per cent of school-aged children are also expected to attend district schools between 2023 and 2037.

In addition to the physical space issues the district is now dealing with, schools will face increasing pressure to accommodate more students in the future.

A graph displaying the historical and projected school age population (5 to 17 year olds) in New Westminster. The population is projected to reach 9,795 students by the year 2037, with the majority of growth in the ages 5-10 bracket followed by 14-17, and 11-13.
A graph showing the school age population (ages 5 to 17) vs. total kindergarten to Grade 12 enrollment projections. The graph show a steady increase from 2023 to 2037 with over 90 percent of the school age population projected to enroll in kindergarten to grade 12.

Learn more about our capacity crisis