Plans to replace Mount Baker Secondary School with a $50 million complex are powering ahead.

School District #5 board member Chris Johns made a presentation to members of Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Feb. 23.

"Over a year ago we began trying to assess the interest in a centre that is more than just a school with classrooms," said Johns.

Now, consultant Mike Stolte is ready to start approaching organizations that would be compatible with an educational facility to consider partnering in the would-be community hub.

"Mike will be contacting organisations soon to see if they would be interested in formalizing a partnership," said Johns.

The biggest challenge facing the committee is funding: the Ministry of Education has not yet guaranteed that it will pay for the project.

"We're in a queue and we don't know where in the queue we are," said Johns.

The ministry estimates that replacing the school would cost $35 million, but research by the committee puts the price tag above $50 million.

"One of the challenges we are facing is that the ministry is saying they will fund a building for 700 students. We see the school having 1,000 students enrolled in the very near future," said Johns.

Turning the school into a Neighbourhood Learning Centre with the school, Key City Theatre, and offices and centres for other community organisations would increase the funding available, according to Johns.

"The ministry says that if we have other agencies involved, then we could be eligible for 15 percent additional space," he said.

Meanwhile, the 60-year-old school continues to age and the student population continues to outgrow it.

"People ask me when the centre will open, and I answer, 'September.' I'm just a little vague about the year," said Johns.