For the first time in over 20 years, the Kamloops-Thompson school district (SD73) has broken ground on a new school to tackle severe overcapacity issues. The 453-seat, K-7 Sníne Elementary School, named after the Secwepemctsín word for owl, began construction this week and is slated for completion by September 2026.
Earthworks are underway, with concrete set to be poured by summer’s end and the structure rising by fall. Interior and exterior completion is expected by late 2025. Once finished, Sníne Elementary will be the second largest school in Kamloops, featuring a learning commons, Indigenous gardens, daycare, and large gathering spaces. Superintendent Rhonda Nixon highlighted the school’s critical role in alleviating the 140-160% capacity strain in the southwest sector, which cannot be solved by changing catchment areas alone. The district anticipates an average capacity of 106% by 2029.
Additionally, the district is planning for a new secondary school in Aberdeen, which has received provincial funding approval to purchase land for it. A business case for a new elementary school in Batchelor Heights is also in progress.
