A new elementary school could soon be coming to Willoughby, as part of a 22-acre development proposed for the Latimer neighbourhood.
The property owner, Vesta Properties, has set aside land for a school site and park in the 8200 block of 201 and 202 Streets. This will be adjacent to their development of 73 single family homes, 39 row houses, 18 semi-detached homes and 122 townhouses between 82 and 84 Avenues, and 202 and 203 Streets.
Within the proposal, there will also be a one-acre habitat patch, a one-acre pocket park, a detention pond and greenways along 202 Street and 82 Avenue.
There are currently 692 significant trees on the land, and all will be taken down. They will be replaced by 682 new trees, along with 289 street trees.
Until the new school is built, elementary school students living in the development will attend Willoughby Elementary School. The Langley School District estimates there will be 85 new students for Willoughby Elementary, 35 new students for Yorkson Creek Middle Schools and 39 new students for R.E. Mountain Secondary.
Township council gave first and second reading to the proposal during their March 27 evening meeting, with no comments.