Provincial government and school board officials at Dr. Robert Plaxton Elementary School. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

New schools, replacements, and modernizations coming to Southern Alberta

Mar 13, 2021 | 3:13 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Members of the Government of Alberta were in Lethbridge Saturday to talk about three major school projects in the region.

They gathered outside of Dr. Robert Plaxton Elementary School, which is currently under construction in South Lethbridge.

Budget 2021 includes $1.6-billion for 14 school capital projects.

Minister of Infrastructure Prasad Panda says these initiatives will provide thousands of jobs in construction as well as many more permanent positions permeating the province.

“The new and updated schools in Southern Alberta will reflect 21st-century architecture. They will be designed to inspire success with bright open spaces that help forge their collaborative learning and teaching opportunities.”

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Education Minister Adriana LaGrange adds that the three schools will be “state of the art” and “wonderful places” for students and staff.

“I have no doubt that they will inspire students to reach new heights by providing them with unique opportunities to discover their unique skills and talents.”

For all three of the projects, proposals from contractors have not been submitted yet, so cost estimates are not available.

Panda says the schools will start and complete construction “as soon as possible.”

New West Lethbridge Elementary School

The city’s fastest-growing section will have a brand new elementary school in a few years.

To be constructed in Garry Station, the unnamed school will initially host up to 610 students in Grades K-5.

It will be built with future modular additions in mind, meaning it could have a capacity for up to 870 young learners.

Lethbridge School Division Board Chair Christine Light says schools on the west side have been overcapacity for several years, so learning that this school is going ahead is surely a relief to many.

Planning has already been underway for the last four years.

Light hopes to open the school in fall 2025.

Minister LaGrange was asked about similar overcapacity concerns at Holy Spirit schools in Lethbridge. LaGrange responded that they are working with “limited resources” and are only able to fund so many facilities at a time.

However, with these three school projects moving head, it means other initiatives will move up higher on the priority list.

Kate Andrews High School Replacement

Coaldale is getting a brand new high school to replace the aging Kate Andrews High.

The new facility, to be located north of the train tracks, will be able to accommodate up to 855 students in grades 7-12.

The inclusion of grades seven and eight means that grade levels will be reconfigured elsewhere in the community.

Students attending the future KA will have direct access to the town’s multi-use recreation centre, which will be built jointly with the high school.

Educational programming involving the area’s wetlands, situated near the school’s new site, will become an integrated part of student learning.

Milk River Consolidation

In Milk River, Erle Rivers High School will be demolished and consolidated into Milk River Elementary School, making it a combined K-12 facility.

It will have a capacity of 250 students.

“By making the best use of existing space and investing wisely, we ensure Milk River students will benefit from having the most modern, up-to-date school facility possible,” says LaGrange.

Funding will be used for design purposes.