The Government of Alberta has approved design funding for the modernization of Coalhurst High School. (Photo: Google Maps)

By David Opinko

Design funding approved for Coalhurst High School modernization

May 21, 2025 | 1:24 PM

The Government of Alberta is continuing to advance a school modernization project in Coalhurst.

Although exact dollar amounts were not specified, they are moving along the modernization of Coalhurst High School from planning to design.

Palliser School Division Superintendent Dave Driscoll says was “extremely pleased” to learn about this announcement.

“This important step ensures we are well-prepared for the next stages and allows us to design a school that truly reflects the needs of our community in Coalhurst. We are excited to move forward and look ahead with great anticipation to the construction phase,” says Driscoll.

It is one of 11 school projects announced by the province on Wednesday.

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The others are:

• Calgary (Calgary Catholic School District):
  • New high school in west Calgary
    • Approved for construction
  • Addition and modernization of Bishop McNally High School
    • Approved for design
• Donnelly (High Prairie School Division)
  • Modernization of George P. Vanier School
    • Approved for design
• Falher (Colseil scholaire du Nord-Ouest)
  • Modernization of École Héritage
    • Approved for construction
• Fort McMurray (Fort McMurray Public School Division)
  • Replacement of Westwood Community High School
    • Approved for design
• Grande Prairie County (Peace Wapiti Public School Division)
  • Replacement of Peace Wapiti Academy
    • Approved for design
• Lac La Biche (Northern Lights Public Schools)
  • Replacement of Vera M. Welsh School
    • Approved for construction
• Red Deer (Red Deer Public Schools)
  • New middle school in northeast Red Deer
    • Approved for planning

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says they are building more schools at a faster rate than has ever been seen before in Alberta.

“Through this innovative approach to building more schools now, backed by our generational investment of $8.6 billion to build more than 100 schools across the province, we will ensure every student in Alberta has the space to engage in the province’s world-class education system,” says Nicolaides.

When complete, these 11 school projects are expected to create more than 8,000 new and updated student spaces.

LNN has reached out to the Palliser School Division for comments about the Coalhurst High School project.

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