Crescent Heights Academy in Cloverdale secures early excavation permit under a city pilot program, expediting construction of its new K–12 school by 2027.
Cloverdale School to Break Ground Early Under City Pilot
Early Excavation Approved for Crescent Heights Academy
Crescent Heights Academy (CHA), a private K–12 school operated by the Fraser Valley Elementary School Society, has received an early excavation permit under a City of Surrey pilot program. The permit was approved during a regular council meeting on July 28, ahead of the city’s summer recess.
School Site Set for Major Development
The new school is planned for 18620 Highway 10 and 18641 54A Avenue in Cloverdale. It will consolidate CHA’s current operations—now spread across three campuses—into a single facility capable of accommodating up to 750 students. The city also agreed to sell an adjacent parcel of undeveloped parkland to allow for the construction of a school sports field.
City Pilot Program Expanded to New Uses
The approval is part of the “Early Excavation for Multi-Family Housing” pilot program, initially created to speed up residential projects. The program allows developers to begin excavation before finalizing rezoning and development permits. This marks one of the first times the program has been applied to a non-residential project.
Faster Delivery a Key Goal, Says Planning GM
Ron Gill, General Manager of Planning and Development, explained in his report that the early excavation program is designed to reduce project timelines. “It enables excavation work to occur concurrently while the proponent completes the work to finalize the rezoning and obtain the development permit,” he wrote. Based on its success, city staff are now looking to expand the program further and introduce related bylaw amendments.
Construction to Start During Summer Break
CHA plans to begin site work immediately to capitalize on the summer school break, when students will not be on campus. Classes at the existing locations will continue through the construction phase. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2027.
More Information
Details about the school’s development plans can be found at crescentheightsacademy.ca under the “Campus Plan” section.
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