​Coast Salish Elementary School celebrated their official opening Wednesday, November 15 with an open house and ceremony. The event attracted many students and families to tour through the new school, watch the festivities, and enjoy some cake and refreshments. Hosted by Coast Salish Principal Frank Pearse, the event program included Minister of Education and Child Care Rachna Singh, Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Finn Donnelly, Kwikwetlem First Nation Councillor John Peters, in addition to Board Chair Michael Thomas, SD43 trustees, Superintendent Patricia Gartland and the District Leadership Team. Special guests included Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart and members of Coquitlam City Council and representatives from Chandos Construction.

Coast Salish Elementary School is designed to accommodate 430 students and includes a before and after school program to serve the community. Representing extensive research in design and progressive building, Coast Salish nears ‘net-zero’ in its carbon footprint in addition to aligning with SD43’s Directions 2025 goals of providing world-class facilities for students.