Coquitlam Mayor Brad West has attributed the provincial government's decision to expedite the reconstruction of Hazel Trembath Elementary School to community pressure. The school, which was destroyed by fire on October 14, 2023, under suspicious circumstances, is set to be rebuilt to accommodate 240 students at an estimated cost of nearly $39 million. The provincial government announced its plans, including fast-tracked timelines, on Friday.
In recent months, local politicians and school board officials have expressed their concerns regarding the slow pace of the reconstruction process. Mayor West emphasized his active involvement by sending five letters to the provincial government, the latest one dated October 8, 2025. Although he refrained from making a direct connection between his most recent correspondence and the government’s announcement, West praised the efforts of the community and parents with children at Hazel Trembath Elementary for their relentless advocacy.
Expressing a mix of relief and frustration, West stated that while he is pleased with the progress, it is disheartening that the community had to fight so hard for what should be a fundamental government responsibility. He believes that rebuilding an elementary school should not present insurmountable challenges, likening it to a project far less complex than sending someone to the moon. He hopes the provincial government will learn from this experience and find ways to streamline long and convoluted processes in the future.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has indicated that the new school will be constructed on its original site, with construction anticipated to commence in July 2026 and completion expected by December 2027. Additionally, Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth, who represents the Port Coquitlam area as an MLA, acknowledged the urgency of the situation, affirming that the government is focused on delivering a new school that will allow students to return as quickly as possible.
Mayor West concluded by reiterating his desire for the government to implement more efficient processes for future projects, emphasizing the need for a more responsive approach to such community needs. The actions taken by the community are highlighted as a key factor leading to this positive step forward in the rebuilding of Hazel Trembath Elementary.
