A School District 43 (SD43) fund to support the students of Hazel Trembath Elementary has generated six figures since the Port Coquitlam school burned down last October.
The SD43 Education Foundation has received $106,223 to date, of which a portion has already been used “to enhance students’ experiences” at school like the purchase of new Lego sets and a field trip to the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex for an ice skate, said Shawn Silverstone, the foundation’s executive director.
Last Saturday, Jan. 27, the Golden Maple Culture and Arts Association also collected more than $13,000 for the school as part of its Celebration of Love at the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, to mark the Chinese New Year.
The 215 students of Hazel Trembath Elementary, and staff, relocated to Winslow Centre in the fall after their school caught on fire on Oct. 14, 2023; it is believed the blaze was intentionally set.
Coquitlam RCMP say the case remains under investigation.
SD43 spokesperson Ken Hoff told the Tri-City News that district administrators and board of education officials are working closely with the Ministry of Education; a Project Definition Report (or business case to rebuild) started last December.
The City of Port Coquitlam, which has waived the fees associated with permits for the school rebuild, said a demolition permit was issued in December and "no further building permit applications have been received to date,” Mayor Brad West told the Tri-City News.
“The city will continue to support and work with SD43 for what is needed on their part.”
Hazel Trembath parents are being updated via the school’s website and the district’s capital projects website page.
“Community and parent advocacy is always helpful and appreciated and should be aimed at their local MLA and the Province as they are the ones that can influence these decisions,” Hoff said when asked about the school rebuild.
