New schools in Alberta’s growing communities

Mar 01, 2024 As the province continues to grow, Alberta’s government is investing in new schools and student spaces to meet that growth and provide the learning spaces students need for success. If passed, Budget 2024 would advance 43 priority school projects, including 28 new schools, 10 replacement schools and five modernizations. When complete, these projects will create about 35,000 new and modernized spaces for Alberta students to learn, grow, and meet their full potential. “Alberta is growing and we are investing significantly in education to meet that growth. Communities across the province will be seeing new and modernized schools for their students, providing them the best places to learn. I am looking forward to seeing all the schools we’re investing in move forward and open in the years to come.” Danielle Smith, Premier With an additional 43 projects included in this year’s budget, the government is funding a total of 98 school projects in various stages across the province. As part of the $2.1 billion three-year capital investment, $103 million over three years will be used to supply modular classrooms to quickly increase classroom spaces in schools facing significant capacity challenges. Collegiate schools and public charter schools will be supported by a commitment of $123 million over three years, as Alberta’s government continues to expand career education and support a full range of school choices for students and families.    “The Alberta Advantage is back and booming and people from across Canada and around the world are once again flocking to our incredible province, including Calgary. Budget 2024 sets an ambitious plan to build 17 new schools and one modernization for the Calgary Metropolitan Area, over the next few years. These new schools will create space for 16,000 more students with six projects starting construction this year alone, with the remaining 12 projects starting in future years." Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education   “Alberta is growing and Budget 2024’s Capital Plan supports thousands of new student spaces. Alberta’s government is ensuring students in K-12 continue to thrive and succeed.” Nate Horner, Minister of Treasury Board and Finance   “Our government is helping students to hit the ground running, and the capital projects added in Budget 2024 continue that trajectory. More than a dozen schools will be completed this year, and we look forward to seeing students filling the halls in short order. Alberta schools are built to last for 75 years, which ensures that children will benefit from our investments for generations to come.” Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure Calgary and Edmonton, along with their surrounding communities, have been seeing especially strong student growth and Budget 2024 recognizes that by prioritizing 18 school projects in Calgary and area and 14 school projects in the Capital Region. The new school projects in these regions will mean 16,000 more spaces for students in the Calgary region, and 12,500 more in the Edmonton region. “On behalf of the students and community of Evanston, we are pleased to receive our top priority for a new elementary school in their neighbourhood. This will allow some of our youngest learners to attend school closer to where they live. We also appreciate the design or planning funding for three new schools and one modernization.”  Laura Hack, board chair, Calgary Board of Education   “The CCSD Board of Trustees thanks the Government of Alberta for investing in infrastructure to support our rapidly growing student population. Our goal is that all students have access to quality, faith-filled Catholic education close to where they live. We look forward to continuing to work with the provincial government to ensure that investment in school districts keeps pace with enrolment growth and is sustainable, appropriate, and equitable so that we can support the diverse needs of our students and ensure high education outcomes for our students.” Shannon Cook, board chair, Calgary Catholic School District   “This announcement is a significant step forward in helping us serve the growing number of families who are choosing Edmonton Catholic Schools, and we are pleased to see the province’s commitment to building new schools coming to fruition.” Sandra Palazzo, board chair, Edmonton Catholic Schools   “Today’s announcement acknowledges the need for new school construction, as well as taking the first steps at replacing aging buildings in our mature neighbourhoods.” Julie Kusiek, board chair, Edmonton Public Schools Budget 2024 is a responsible plan to strengthen health care and education, build safe and supportive communities, manage the province’s resources wisely and promote job creation to continue to build Alberta’s competitive advantage.

Ekushey, International Mother Language Day Celebrated by BHESA

In a heartwarming celebration filled with reverence and love, the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta marked the Great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day 2024 in Edmonton, Canada. Presided over by esteemed veteran freedom fighter Delwar Jahid, who also serves as the President of the North American Journalists Network and Executive Director of the Step to Humanity Association, the event was a poignant tribute to these occasions' cultural significance and historical importance.