The process for the Ministry of Education and Childcare to sign off on a new middle school in 91´ó»ÆѼ continues through its approval process. 

Central Okanagan Public Schools has received a ministry response to its 2025-26 Annual Five-Year Capital Plan request, with the proposed Burtch Road Middle School final business case is now before the ministry awaiting funding approval to advance to the next stage. 

In its response, the ministry noted a variety of emergent issues including a significant number of school fires and a challenging fiscal environment have resulted in a limited ability to advance major capital projects. 

"As a result, there are no new major capital projects in your school district that were supported to move forward at this time," stated the ministry's response. 

Currently, the school district does have one major capital project underway with construction of a new secondary school for the Westside, to help relieve the enrolment pressure faced both at Mount Boucherie Secondary and École 91´ó»ÆѼ Secondary. 

Minor capital projects that received funding commitments from the ministry included:

• Constable Neil Bruce Middle - roofing upgrades, $1.8 million 

• George Elliot Secondary, H.S. Grenda Junior Middle, Peter Greer Elementary - energy upgrades, $500,000

• KLO Middle - kitchen and equipment upgrades, $200,000

• Belgo Elementary - universally accessible playground equipment, $200,000

• Casorso Elementary - building envelope upgrades, cost yet to be determined

All these projects can proceed to design, tender and construction, to be completed by March 31, 2026.