A second elementary school in Promontory is among several plans to curb enrollment capacity issues in the Chilliwack School District over the next decade. (Image Credit: Promontory Heights Elementary / Facebook)

By Alyssa Conti

FILLING SCHOOLS

SD33 to consider public feedback on 10-year enrollment plan, cites capacity issues

Jan 23, 2026 | 9:33 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack school officials are looking to address capacity challenges over the next decade with some help from residents.

The Chilliwack School District will be seeking Board of Education approval to gather public feedback on its 10-year enrollment plan on Tuesday, January 27.

The city is expected to reach 132,000 between 2035 and 2040, putting pressure on the District’s schools – especially at the middle and high school levels.

District staff had 37 meetings with nearly 600 staff, students, parents and community partners from 11 school communities between January 2025 and 2026.

“We heard strong support for District programs, including French Immersion and Integrated Arts and Technology. We also heard that students and families feel strong connections to their schools and school staff,” said Amy Dhanjal, communications manager.

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“Parents told us how important it is for the district to consider the well-being of students and their families when we consider changes to our schools.”

Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam recently presented data showing that the District is at 103 per cent of its functional capacity.

Cheam Elementary (217%), Chilliwack Secondary (135%), Chilliwack Middle (122%), A.D. Rundle Middle (125%) and GW Graham Secondary (115%) in particular have all been overflowing, despite some schools remaining below or near capacity.

The B.C. government has planned to build a new elementary school in eastside Chilliwack. Construction set to be completed in spring next year, with opening slated for September 2027.