$5.5 million invested in Francophone school projects
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Four new capital projects address growing Francophone student population
Edmonton... Francophone students in Airdrie, Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Brooks will receive new learning environments through a combined government investment of more than $5.5 million for four new capital projects. New schools in Airdrie and Grande Prairie, the purchase of an existing school facility in Edmonton, and a space sharing partnership in Brooks will help meet the needs of Alberta's growing Francophone student population."The Government of Alberta is committed to quality education in safe and well-maintained school facilities," said Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky. "This new investment will help ensure that students who choose a Francophone education will be able to learn in appropriate school environments."
"Thanks to funding from surplus dollars we are able to move forward and provide Francophone students with improved learning facilities," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "This is a positive advancement that will support students and Francophone communities across the province."
These capital projects will address areas of greatest need for Francophone school facilities across the province. There are five Francophone education regions across the province, providing 4,126 students in 22 communities with a schooling experience built around Francophone language, culture and identity, as provided for in Section 23 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Instruction is provided in a rich linguistic and cultural environment that helps students integrate into the local, national and global Francophone community.
This investment is the final installment from the $207 million in provincial funding for top school infrastructure priorities announced last fall. School boards will receive details of their allocations in the coming weeks. Additional capital school infrastructure projects will be announced as new dollars become available.
For details about other recent infrastructure investments by government, visit www.education.gov.ab.ca/infrastructurefunding.
Backgrounder
$5.5 million invested in Francophone school projects
Government is investing in learning facilities for Francophone students in Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Airdrie and Brooks.
Grande Prairie - École Nouvelle-Frontière
- A new school for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12
- Total government commitment: $6.2 million (an additional $1.1 million - $5.1 million previously allocated towards this project)
- Capacity: 229 students
- The new school will replace the downtown school location
Edmonton - École Gabrielle-Roy
- Purchase of Strathearn School in south Edmonton will replace rented space in L'Académie Vimy Ridge Academy
- Total government commitment: $2.4 million
- Capacity: 670 students
- School facility will allow for expansion, including a senior high program
- This will enable the board to provide space for support services, thereby reducing lease costs
- Funding also includes relocation and classroom setup costs
Airdrie - Starter School
- A new school for students in Kindergarten to Grade 9, including eight modular classrooms
- Total government commitment: $2 million
- Capacity: 150 students
- This new school will replace rented space at the Wellness Centre in Airdrie
Brooks - Griffin Park School
- Greater Southern Public Francophone Education Region (GSPFER) is partnering with Grasslands Regional Division to enhance the learning environment for their students
- Total government commitment: to be determined. Government will work with both school boards to develop a project plan and budget
- GSPFER students in Brooks will be moving to five existing portables at Griffin Park School
- One modular classroom will be provided to replace existing space, which is being renovated to meet resulting fire safety and washroom needs
