In response to the rapid growth in Chilliwack and its surrounding areas, A.D. Rundle Middle School will soon see an expansion that adds 300 new seats, bringing the school's total capacity to 750 students. This project is part of the provincial government’s initiative to enhance educational infrastructure in fast-growing communities.

“This investment in A.D. Rundle Middle school reflects our government’s commitment to provide quality educational spaces for the growing community of Chilliwack,” said Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care. “We are taking action with the addition of 12 new classrooms to ensure that students have the room to learn and thrive in a modern, supportive classroom environment.”

The $18 million investment will fund the construction of 12 new classrooms using prefabricated methods, with completion expected by early 2026. The classrooms will be built to LEED Gold standards, highlighting the project’s focus on sustainability and efficiency.

Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “The addition at A.D. Rundle Middle School will help us work quickly to alleviate pressures and provide our students with the facilities they deserve close to home.”

This expansion is part of a larger effort to accommodate the increasing number of students in the region. Over the past seven years, the province and the school district have added more than 3,420 new student spaces in Chilliwack, with investments totaling over $230 million.

“We are very pleased that this 300-seat addition has been approved,” said Willow Reichelt, chair of the Chilliwack Board of Education. “Having an addition made from modular components is exciting because students will be in these new classrooms more quickly.”

The region’s ongoing infrastructure improvements also include projects like the expansion of Sardis Secondary, which will add 400 seats, and the upcoming New Eastside Elementary School, which is currently in the design phase.

Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent, noted the importance of these developments: “This project will greatly enhance our ability to serve the educational needs of our students and community, ensuring that we are prepared for future growth.”

As Chilliwack continues to expand, the focus on upgrading and building new educational facilities remains a priority, ensuring that the region’s infrastructure keeps pace with its growing population.