A ground-breaking celebration took place Tuesday morning (Sept. 24) for a 20,000-square-foot expansion of Mennonite Education Institute (MEI) Secondary in Abbotsford.
Vijay Manuel, head of MEI schools, told the crowd that construction is “on the cusp” of starting.
“I’m happy to report that we got everything in that was needed to be in to get the permits as of Friday. And so, God willing, this week permits will be in hand,” he said.
Manuel said the project includes a theatre for the arts, a full renovation of the high school, a new gym and an updated outdoor running track and turf field.
“There will be a new-feeling school, inside and out,” he said.
The property, located at Downes and Clearbrook roads in the Agricultural Land Reserve, received prior approval for the expansion from the Agricultural Land Commission before getting the go-ahead from city council in May.
The property currently has 294 parking spaces, which will increase to 477 with the expansion.
The existing tennis courts and basketball courts will be replaced with parking and a bus loop.
The project also includes seismic upgrades and renovated operations offices.
The school receives no government funding for capital projects, and a fundraising campaign brought in $15 million for the initial stages.
Manuel said a new campaign will begin in October to raise another $15 million for the build phase.
This phase is expected to take 20 months and consists of the secondary addition, seismic upgrades, the new gym and renovated operations offices.
Another $10 million will be needed after that for the second build phase, consisting of secondary renovations and updates, the turf field and track, a walking tunnel under Downes Road, and a sport court.
Phase two is expected to take 18 months, starting in spring 2026.
Speaking at the ground-breaking event, Mayor Ross Siemens commended all those involved in the “ambitious project.”
He said the school is “more than just an educational institute; it’s a community.”
“MEI was established not too long after the first Mennonite settlers arrived in Abbotsford. My grandparents were among those,” he said.
“It’s inspiring that the shared traditions and values of the original settlers are still continuing within MEI. While a lot of growth and change has happened in the community, you’ve stayed connected to your roots.”
MEI is an independent educational facility that includes a preschool, elementary school, middle school and high school.
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