The city and school district have set the date for the upcoming public information sessions on the three new schools being built in New Westminster.

The Record reported last week that the district and city were planning to hold two public meetings this month. The meetings will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the gym at John Robson Elementary and Saturday, Sept. 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the New Westminster Secondary School library.

"After years of comprehensive consultations, study and research, we are nearing the final steps to making the new schools so badly needed by our community become a reality," school board chair James Janzen said in a press release.

The proposed capital project will be one of the largest school projects ever undertaken by the province. The new schools include an elementary school at the former Saint Mary's Hospital site, a new middle school on the John Robson Elementary site and a replacement high school.

The replacement high school plan includes a new performing arts centre to replace Massey Theatre.

The three new schools will be able to receive an extra 15 per cent of funding for expanded space under the Neighbourhoods of Learning model, a plan that combines school and community space to deliver a hub of health and education services to the families in the area. A number of Neighbourhoods of Learning are in development across the province.

"These three new school centres and the partnership with the school district provide us with an opportunity to create a state-of-the-art regional theatre in our community," Mayor Wayne Wright said in a press release. "The city has made a commitment to provide additional funding required to make this happen."

During the information sessions, members of the public can view presentation boards showing visual detail of the proposed new school centres and key maps that show the planning area.

As well, school district employees and city staff will be on hand to answer questions regarding the Neighbourhoods of Learning, the new Massey Theatre and any other capital project related issues.

"Ensuring the children and families of New Westminster have safe and high-quality community services is our commitment," Janzen said.

"These new facilities will help our neighbourhoods to grow and develop, encourage children towards higher learning, keep them healthy and give their parents the supports they need to build successful families."

Following the public information sessions, district and city staff will incorporate feedback received from the information sessions and finalize the proposed plan in preparation for its submission to the provincial government for final approval.