Alberta legislature. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Province funding new schools in Coaldale & Lethbridge, modernization at Milk River

Mar 10, 2021 | 1:47 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta is funding three school projects in Southern Alberta.

Budget 2021 includes $268-million for 14 school capital projects.

“We are building world-class schools in every corner of our province,” says Infrastructure Minister Prasad Panda. “These projects are putting Albertans to work now while ensuring we have top-tier educational facilities for future students to enjoy.”

In Southern Alberta, projects receiving funding include:

• Kate Andrews High School (Coaldale) – replacement and reconfiguration
• New west Lethbridge elementary school for K-5
• Milk River School modernizations for K-12 – planning

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At the time of publication, the government has not said how much funding will go to each of the schools.

Kate Andrews High School:

Dave Driscoll, Superintendent with Palliser School Division, says he was very pleased to learn about today’s announcement for Coaldale.

“This is a project we’ve worked on for quite a few years with the community and with our board, and to finally see it come to fruition and be able to move forward is extremely exciting for the division and I’m sure for the community.”

The Alberta Ministry of Education confirmed to LNN that the new high school will have a capacity of 855 students. It will allow for the reconfiguration of grades at Jennie Emery Elementary School and R.I. Baker Middle School.

“There’s times that we feel we don’t always get seen,” adds Driscoll, “but when we look at that list of towns around Southern Alberta that are receiving some schools and some funding for this, we’re extremely thankful that we’re on that list and we’ll be able to provide high-quality education and an amazing building for the kids of Coaldale.”

Coaldale Mayor Kim Craig says this project is much needed to address a few different strategic priorities for the town.

It will not only be a high school but will serve as the town’s new multi-use recreation centre.

“As a Council, we are absolutely thrilled about today’s Provincial funding announcement for a new high school (grades 7-12) and grade reconfiguration package for the Town of Coaldale,” says Craig. “This is a significant investment in the future of our town and our youth, and I could not be more proud that the Province has chosen to recognize Coaldale as a growing and vibrant community.”

In addition to having joint access to the recreation facility, the government says it will also be close to a wetland ecosystem and “provide a large portion of the community’s educational programming from the new location.”

Lethbridge elementary school:

The Lethbridge School Division said in a statement that they will now be able to hire architectural consultants for the elementary school’s design in Garry Station.

“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 Board of Trustees Chair Christine Light. “The Board is extremely pleased the government has heard our concerns and is moving ahead with a much-needed project for our Division.”

“West Lethbridge is the fastest-developing sector of our city. Lots of young families are moving there, and because of that, our classrooms are getting tighter and tighter, as well as the largest spaces of our schools – gyms are getting harder to fit all of the kids appropriately and properly as well as learning commons,” Light continues.

Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf says this will be a very important project for the city going forward.

“Having a new elementary school in West Lethbridge to meet the needs of our growing population is tremendous news! This type of high-quality education infrastructure has been a top priority for many parents and I am thankful that our government has recognized this need. I’m proud to support this Budget 2021 initiative that will support the growth of our community and the future of our students.”

Although the school board had applied for a K-5 facility with a capacity of 900 students, the ministry told LNN that they have been approved for a facility with a capacity of 610.

The 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.

Construction will likely start in 2023.

Milk River School:

At Horizon School Division, Superintendent Wilco Tymensen told LNN that “when the government investments money into schools and into our children’s futures, it’s always good news.”

This initiative will see Erie Rivers High School demolished and consolidated into the elementary school, creating a new school that will hold K-12 students.

The newly “modernized” building will have a capacity of 250.