Province invests additional $97 million for 17 school modernization projects
Edmonton ... The Government of Alberta is investing $97 million, in unanticipated 4th quarter surplus dollars, into 17 school infrastructure projects as part of an overall $350-million commitment to capital maintenance. These new dollars will be allocated to 17 school jurisdictions across the province to significantly enhance learning environments for students and staff.
The 17 projects include modernization of two schools in Red Deer, and one each in Lethbridge, Sylvan Lake, Castor, Camrose, Claresholm, Falher, Hinton, Innisfree, Okotoks, Oyen, Nampa and La Crete. Francophone boards in Edmonton and Calgary will receive funds to modernize three schools now used for Francophone instruction. As well, $8 million is being allocated to extend the contract with Modus Structures Inc. to construct more than 30 steel-framed modular classrooms.
"Today we are addressing a number of modernization projects in school divisions throughout Alberta," said Ron Liepert, Minister of Education. "While today's allocation of dollars is welcome news for many school districts in Alberta, the government recognizes there are many other school infrastructure modernization and maintenance projects throughout the province that require significant dollars."
Many school districts in Alberta have experienced little enrolment increases or in some cases declining enrolments and have not had new schools constructed for a number of years.
"In the last two years, 11 new schools have been opened in Calgary with another six due to be completed this year, however, many school districts have older buildings that need modernization which these surplus dollars can accommodate," Liepert added.
The funding brings the government's investment for new school infrastructure, as well as modernization and maintenance, to more than $600 million for the 2007-08 fiscal year. Alberta's 2007-10 Capital Plan now includes funding for 88 new or major modernization projects, including 13 schools to be opened in 2007-08.
"While it is important to build new infrastructure to meet Alberta's growth needs, it is also critical to ensure that our existing buildings are well maintained, safe and in good working order," said Gene Zwozdesky, Associate Minister of Capital Planning. "We have been working very closely with communities and stakeholders on their capital maintenance needs. This funding will help address some of those needs."
On August 23, the government announced a total of $350 million in support of more than 100 infrastructure projects, including health facilities, post-secondary institutions and schools. Investing in Alberta's school infrastructure is one of the actions under Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to manage growth pressures. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, improve Albertans' quality of life, build a stronger Alberta, and provide safe and secure communities.
Backgrounder
Province invests additional $97 million for 17 school modernization projects
Location | School | School Board | Project Allocation |
Calgary | École de la Source | Greater Southern Public Francophone Education Region | $1 million |
Calgary | École Notre-Dame de la Paix | Greater Southern Separate Catholic Francophone Education Region | $3 million |
Camrose | Camrose Composite High School | Battle River Regional Division | $10 million |
Castor | Theresetta Roman Catholic Separate School | East Central Alberta Catholic Schools | $4.4 million |
Claresholm | West Meadow School | Livingstone Range School Division | $10.4 million |
Edmonton | École Gabrielle-Roy | Greater North Central Francophone Education Region | $3 million |
Falher | École Héritage | Northwest Francophone Education Region | $1 million |
Hinton | Harry Collinge High School | Grande Yellowhead Regional Division | $3.6 million |
Innisfree | Delnorte School | Buffalo Trail Public Schools Regional Division | $5.9 million |
La Crete | Sand Hills Elementary School | Fort Vermilion School Division | $4 million |
Lethbridge | Gilbert Paterson Middle School | Lethbridge School Division | $9.4 million |
Nampa | Nampa Public School | Peace River School Division | $3 million |
Okotoks | Percy Pegler School | Foothills School Division | $6.9 million |
Oyen | Oyen Public School | Prairie Rose School Division | $1.25 million |
Red Deer | St. Thomas Aquinas | Red Deer Catholic Regional Division | $7 million |
Red Deer | G.H. Dawe Community School | Red Deer Public School District | $6.6 million |
Sylvan Lake | C.P. Blakely Elementary School | Chinook's Edge School Division | $8.5 million |
Various | Modular classrooms | Various | $8 million |
|
| TOTAL | $97 million |
