Chilliwack School District. (Image Credit: Mike Vanden Bosch.)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack School District

SD33 to hold two open houses next week as it deals with growth, capacity challenges in Chilliwack

Feb 26, 2026 | 10:27 AM

CHILLIWACK – The Chilliwack School District will hold two open houses next week as it considers options to balance school enrolment and capacity in Chilliwack over the next 10 years.

According to a statement from SD33 spokesperson Amy Dhanjal, SD33 will host two open houses on March 3 and March 5 in order receive input from staff, families, students, and community members about a draft plan for managing long-term growth in Chilliwack schools.

The district is examining all its options as Chilliwack has grown considerably over the past decade. Between 2016 and 2021, Chilliwack was the second fastest growing municipality in Canada. By 2035, the city’s population is expected to reach 132,000. This growth, combined with limited available land, has resulted in increasing pressure on Chilliwack schools, especially at the middle and secondary school levels.

In 2023, the provincial government announced that it would build a new elementary school on Chilliwack’s east side, adding space for 500 K-5 students. Construction will be completed in spring 2027, and the new school will open in September 2027.

Since January 28, the district has been seeking community input on its draft plan. District staff have hosted sessions for staff and students, as well as two online presentations where community members could ask questions. A survey is open until March 10, 2026 at www.letstalksd33.ca. 

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Chilliwack School District

SD33 to hold two open houses next week as it deals with growth, capacity challenges in Chilliwack

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The public consultation period lasts until April 10, 2026. The draft plan and information on upcoming engagement opportunities are available at: www.letstalksd33.ca.  A final decision is expected by June 2026. Any approved recommendations would be implemented in September 2027.

At these two open houses, district staff will give a brief presentation, and trustees and staff will be on hand to listen to feedback and answer questions.

Event Information:

North Side Open House

Tuesday, March 3, at Chilliwack Secondary School

6:00 – 8:00 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m.

South Side Open House

Thursday, March 5, at G.W. Graham Secondary School

6:00 – 8:00 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m.