Some Willoughby-area children will have to make a longer journey across busy 200 Street to attend classes if the 91原创 board of education approves proposed changes to school catchment areas to cope with population growth in the rapidly expanding neighbourhoods.

The proposed changes, to be voted on at the board鈥檚 Feb. 15 meeting, would funnel some students who would normally attend the R.C. Garnett elementary school to 91原创 Meadows, starting in September.

Only new students will be affected by the change.

Students from the affected area who already attend R.C. Garnett won鈥檛 be required to switch to 91原创 Meadows, and neither will their brothers or sisters.

School district planners have been assured by the Township that the pedestrian overpass at 200 Street and 68 Avenue in Willoughby will be ready in time for the students when the new school year starts in September.

Completion of the $1.7 million project has been held up due to delays in fabrication and delivery of the steel span from a German manufacturer.

A new school to accommodate the booming pupil population in Willoughby will open in 2012.

The school district is currently considering what to name the new facility at 21020 83 Avenue.

District policy is that school names should reflect the location of the school or the name of a notable community member.

Suggestions will be collected by the secretary treasurer鈥檚 office until Feb. 25.

To find out more about the process for submitting a name, contact Laurie Mason at lmason@sd35.bc.ca. or phone 604-534-7891.