Province announces funding for new westside school

By Herald on March 10, 2021.

The province has announced that it will be providing $268 million for school construction, including a new westside elementary school (Grades K-5) in Lethbridge, along with other new schools in Calgary, Camrose, Edmonton, Manning and Red Deer. Budget 2021 also funds five modernizations or additions, two school replacement projects – one of those being Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale – and a school ownership solution.

“New and modernized schools create better learning environments for our students and are an important part of their overall education,” said Education Minister Adriana LaGrange, in a press release.

In total, the 2021 Capital Plan spends $1.6 billion over three years on school infrastructure. In addition to these 14 new school projects, this funding also continues work on more than 62 previously announced school projects across Alberta. Of these, 19 are expected to be complete through 2021-22. The remaining projects are in various stages of planning, design or construction. Additionally, Capital Maintenance and Renewal funding of $203 million over three years will go to existing school facilities.

The Lethbridge School Division says that a new school could open in September 2025 at the earliest, depending on planning, site preparation and the date of approval for construction by the province.

“We appreciate the government has recognized our very serious need for a new elementary school in west Lethbridge, given the growth pressures our schools have experienced,” said Lethbridge School Division Board of Trustees Chair Christine Light, in a press release. “The Board is extremely pleased the government has heard our concerns and is moving ahead with a much-needed project for our Division.”

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