Alberta
Education Minister Adriana LaGrange announces nearly 25,000 new and upgraded spaces for Alberta students
Investing in new schools, modernized spaces
Alberta’s government is investing $2.3 billion over the next three years, for new and modernized classrooms.
Budget 2023 supports 58 projects, which includes 13 full construction projects, 20 design, 14 planning and 11 pre-planning projects. In total, there will be nearly 25,000 new and additional spaces for students across Alberta – 9,400 new spaces and more than 15,500 student upgraded spaces. This includes approximately 4,500 new and upgraded spaces in Calgary, 4,100 in Edmonton and 16,300 for the rest of the province.
“Alberta’s young learners are the community and business leaders of tomorrow. They need the right spaces to gain the tools and skills needed to prepare for their bright futures. By investing in our schools, we’re investing in our students while at the same time creating more jobs and supporting the local economy.”
This investment in education infrastructure includes:
- $372 million for construction and design projects:
- 10 new schools
- 16 replacement schools
- seven modernizations
- $4 million to support planning activities such as site analysis and scope development for 14 projects
- $1 million to pre-plan 11 conceptual projects that are anticipated to become high-priority needs for school jurisdictions
- $1 billion to continue work on previously announced projects
- $300 million over three years in school authority self-directed capital projects
- $279 million to support the maintenance and renewal of existing school buildings through the Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program
- $171 million to support public charter school infrastructure, including investment for a charter hub in Calgary
- $43 million to fund facility upgrades for successful collegiate school applicants
- $93 million for the modular classroom program to address urgent space needs across the province
“The Alberta government is investing in critical infrastructure projects that include upgrading and building high-quality schools to ensure Albertans can send their children to schools in their local communities. Our focus is on ensuring these projects are delivered on time, on budget and where they’re needed.”
The availability of suitable sites has been one of the biggest roadblocks causing delays to school projects. That’s why, through Budget 2023, Alberta’s government is creating a new School Planning Program that will serve as a transparent “pipeline” for upcoming school projects to begin as soon as formal construction funding is approved. Fourteen school projects will begin planning and site development through this new program while a further 11 projects will receive pre-planning funding to assist with developing scope options.
The planning program will allow for the further development of project scope and site investigation work. It will also help to clarify potential risks and identify mitigating strategies and costs. The goal is to provide school boards with the resources they need to remove barriers and better position the project for design consideration and construction approval in future budget cycles, which is expected to reduce costs and minimize schedule disruptions and delays.
“The Calgary Catholic Board of Trustees is grateful for the capital projects announced for the Calgary Catholic School District, which includes full funding for the K-9 school in Nolan Hill to serve this rapidly growing community. We anticipate receiving the full construction funding for the Rangeview high school and Chestermere K-9 school as soon as possible, after the design process is completed. These projects need urgent attention given the critical need for school infrastructure and CCSD’s high utilization rate in these communities. CCSD appreciates the pre-planning commitment towards the construction of the K-9 school in Redstone, the addition/enhancement of Bishop McNally High School and the construction of a new west-end high school.”
“On behalf of CBE students and their families, we thank the Government of Alberta for the capital plan announcement. These extraordinary and timely investments in infrastructure are vital to support student learning opportunities within our system.”
“This is an exciting day for Elk Island Public Schools, for the community and especially for students of both École Campbelltown and Sherwood Heights Junior High. A modern, well-equipped and efficient building will allow us to continue to offer the quality education students need to succeed in the classroom and will help ease the growth pressures we are facing in Sherwood Park.”
Quick facts:
- Full construction funding activities include construction and post-occupancy review.
- Design funding activities include the preparation of construction tender documents such as drawings and specifications.
- Planning funding activities include site analysis and scope development activities.
- Pre-planning funding allows a conceptual project to define scope elements, programming priorities and includes activities such as community engagement.
- To support the decision-making process for delivering infrastructure projects, the Ministry of Infrastructure passed the Infrastructure Accountability Act in December 2021. This act outlines how the province prioritizes projects for the annual capital plan.
- As legislated by the act, the government also published Building Forward: Alberta’s 20-Year Strategic Capital Plan in December 2021, providing a blueprint for long-term infrastructure investment and development in Alberta.
- The government’s budget decisions are made in accordance with the act and are guided by the strategic capital plan to ensure future capital investments benefit Albertans.
- Government partners, such as municipalities and school boards, will also be able to plan for capital funding knowing the long-term direction of government.
Budget 2023 school projects – full construction funding (13):
Community | School division | Project type/Name |
Airdrie | Conseil scolaire FrancoSud | new secondary school |
Calgary | Calgary Board of Education | modernization of John G. Diefenbaker High School |
Calgary | Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division | new K-9 school in Nolan Hill |
Edmonton | Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord | solution for École Michaëlle-Jean and École Gabrielle-Roy |
Edmonton | Edmonton Public School Board | new K-9 school in Edgemont |
Lethbridge | Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate School Division | new K-6 school in west Lethbridge |
Lethbridge | Conseil scolaire FrancoSud | École La Vérendrye gym project |
Okotoks | Christ the Redeemer Catholic Separate School Division | replacement of École Good Shepherd School |
Penhold | Chinook’s Edge School Division | replacement of Penhold Elementary School |
Raymond | Westwind School Division | new high school |
Sherwood Park | Elk Island School Division | solution for Sherwood Park |
Valleyview | Northern Gateway School Division | solution for Valleyview |
Waskatenau | Lakeland Roman Catholic Separate School Division | replacement of Holy Family Catholic School |
Budget 2023 school projects – design funding (20):
Community | School division | Project type/Name |
Airdrie | Rocky View School Division | new K-8 school in southwest Airdrie |
Barrhead | Pembina Hills School Division | modernization and rightsizing of Barrhead Composite High School |
Blackfalds | Red Deer Catholic Separate School Division | new K-5 school |
Bow Island / Burdett | Prairie Rose School Division | solution for Bow Island and Burdett |
Breton | Wild Rose School Division | modernization and rightsizing of Breton High School and demolition of Breton Elementary School |
Brooks | Grasslands School Division | replacement of Brooks Junior High School |
Chestermere | Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division | new K-9 school |
Calgary | Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division | new high school in Rangeview |
Edmonton | Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division | solution for Rundle Heights |
Edmonton | Edmonton Public School Board | new junior/senior high school in Glenridding Heights |
Fort McMurray | Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord | replacement of K-12 École Boréale |
Lac La Biche | Northern Lights School Division | replacement of Vera M. Welsh School |
Leduc | Black Gold School Division | modernization of École Corinthia Park School |
Mallaig | St. Paul School Division | replacement of École Mallaig School |
Medicine Hat | Medicine Hat Roman Catholic Separate School Division | replacement of St. Francis Xavier School |
Nanton | Livingstone Range School Division | solution for Nanton |
Red Earth Creek | Peace River School Division | replacement of Red Earth Creek School |
Spruce Grove | Parkland School Division | replacement of Spruce Grove Composite High School |
Taber | Horizon School Division | modernization of the W.R. Myers and D.A. Ferguson schools |
Wainwright | Buffalo Trail School Division | replacement of Wainwright School |
Budget 2023 – School Planning Program projects (14):
Community | School division | Project type/Name |
Airdrie | Rocky View School Division | new grades 9-12 school |
Calgary | Calgary Board of Education | modernization of Annie Gale School |
Calgary | Calgary Board of Education | new high school in Cornerstone |
Coalhurst | Palliser School Division | modernization of Coalhurst High School |
Donnelly | High Prairie School Division | G. P. Vanier School |
Edmonton | Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division | new K-9 school in Heritage Valley Cavanagh |
Edmonton | Edmonton Public School Board | new K-6 school in Rosenthal |
Edmonton | Edmonton Public School Board | new elementary school in Glenridding Heights |
Fort McMurray | Fort McMurray School Division | modernization of Westwood Community High School |
Grande Prairie | Peace Wapiti School Division | new high school north of Grande Prairie |
Lethbridge | Lethbridge School Division | modernization of Galbraith Elementary School |
Okotoks | Foothills School Division | new high school |
Stettler | Clearview School Division | modernization and addition at Stettler Middle School |
Strathmore | Golden Hills School Division | replacement of Westmount School |
Budget 2023 – Pre-Planning Program projects (11):
Community | School division | Project type/Name |
Calgary | Calgary Board of Education | modernization of A.E. Cross School |
Calgary | Calgary Board of Education | modernization of Sir John A. Macdonald School |
Calgary | Calgary Board of Education | new Saddle Ridge middle school |
Calgary | Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division | new elementary school in Redstone |
Calgary | Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division | addition at Bishop McNally High School |
Calgary | Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division | new west Calgary high school |
Chestermere | Rocky View School Division | new K-9 school |
Cochrane | Rocky View School Division | new K-5/K-8 |
Edmonton | Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division | new north K-9 school |
Edmonton | Edmonton Public School Division | new junior high school in Pilot Sound/McConachie |
Red Deer | Red Deer Public Schools | new northeast middle school |
Alberta
Political parties will be part of municipal elections in Edmonton and Calgary pilot projects
Strengthening Alberta’s local elections
Alberta’s government is introducing legislation to ensure Albertans can rely on transparent, free and fair elections, and municipally-elected officials have clearer accountability measures.
In a democratic society, Albertans expect their local elections to be free and fair, and their elected officials to be held to account by clear rules that govern their local councils. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes amendments to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and the Municipal Government Act (MGA) to add greater transparency to local election processes and ensure local councils and elected officials continue to remain accountable to the citizens who elected them.
“Our government is committed to strengthening Albertans’ trust in their local governments and the democratic process that elects local leaders. The changes we are making increase transparency for Alberta voters and provide surety their votes will be counted accurately. We know how important local democracy is to Albertans, and we will work with local authorities to protect and enhance the integrity of local elections.”
Local Authorities Election Act
Albertans expect free and fair elections and that’s why it’s important we strengthen the rules that govern local elections. To strengthen public trust in local elections, Alberta’s government will eliminate the use of electronic tabulators and other automated voting machines. All Albertans should be able to trust the methods and results of local elections; requiring all ballots to be counted by hand, clarifying rules and streamlining processes for scrutineers will provide voters greater assurance in the integrity of the results.
All eligible Albertans should be able to vote in local elections without impediment. Alberta’s government will limit the barriers for eligible voters to cast a ballot by expanding the use of special ballots. Currently, special ballots can only be requested for very specific reasons, including physical disability, absence from the municipality, or for municipal election workers. By expanding the use of special ballots, the government is encouraging more voter participation.
Amendments in the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act would increase transparency in local elections by enabling political parties at the local level. Political parties would be enabled in a pilot project for Edmonton and Calgary. The act will not require candidates to join a political party in order to run for a local or municipal office, but will create the opportunity to do so.
In addition, proposed changes to the Local Authorities Election Act would allow municipalities the option to require criminal record checks for local candidates, thus increasing transparency and trust in candidates who may go on to become elected officials.
Municipal Government Act
The role of an elected official is one with tremendous responsibility and expectations. Changes proposed to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) will strengthen the accountability of locally elected officials and councils. These include requiring mandatory orientation training for councillors, allowing elected officials to recuse themselves for real or perceived conflicts of interest without third-party review and requiring a councillor’s seat to become vacant upon disqualification.
If passed, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act will also unlock new tools to build affordable and attainable housing across Alberta. Proposed amendments under the MGA would also create more options for municipalities to accelerate housing developments in their communities. Options include:
- Exempting non-profit, subsidized affordable housing from both municipal and education property taxes;
- Requiring municipalities to offer digital participation for public hearings about planning and development, and restricting municipalities from holding extra public hearings that are not already required by legislation; and
- Enabling municipalities to offer multi-year residential property tax exemptions.
Municipal Affairs will engage municipalities and other partners over the coming months to hear perspectives and gather feedback to help develop regulations.
Quick facts
- The LAEA establishes the framework for the conduct of elections in Alberta municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts and Metis Settlements.
- The MGA establishes the rules governing the conduct of local elected officials once on council, as well as the overall administration and operation of municipal authorities in Alberta, including any policy those authorities may wish to implement.
Related information
Alberta
Alberta official reveals ‘almost all’ wildfires in province this year have been started by humans
From LifeSiteNews
Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen said his department estimates that most of the province’s wildfires this year are man-made and not caused by ‘climate change.’
Alberta officials have announced that almost all fires in 2024 are believed to have been caused by humans despite ongoing claims that “climate change” is to blame.
On April 24, Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen revealed that his department estimates that most of the province’s wildfires this year are man-made and not caused by “climate change” as claimed by mainstream media and politicians.
“We expect that almost all of the wildfires we’ve experienced so far this year are human caused, given the point we’re at in the season and the types of weather we’re seeing,” Loewen stated.
Already, Alberta has put out 172 wildfires this year, and 63 are actively burning. However, Loewen did not seem overly alarmed, instead warning Albertans to watch their local fire bans and restrictions to reduce the high number of man-made wildfires.
“I urge you to assess your property for wildfire danger and take any preventive action you can to address these risks,” he said.
“This includes breaking up fuel sources that could ignite a structure, removing trees in close proximity to your home, and properly maintaining your gutters and roofs to rid the materials that could easily ignite such as leaves and dry needles,” Loewen added.
Loewen’s announcement comes just weeks after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith promised that arsonists who ignite wildfires in Alberta will be held accountable for their crimes.
“As we approach the wildfire season, it is important to understand that 67% of wildfires in Alberta are started by people,” she explained.
“If you start a wildfire, you can be charged, fined, and held liable for all costs associated with fighting the wildfire,” Smith added.
Smith made the comments after last year revealing that most of the wildfires in her province (500 of the 650) were caused by humans and not “climate change,” as has been pushed by the legacy media and opposition politicians.
“All I know is in my province we have 650 fires and 500 of them were human caused,” she said, “so we have to make sure that when people know that when it’s dry out there and we get into forest fire season that they’re being a lot more careful because anytime you end up with an ignition that happens it can have devastating consequences.”
The Alberta government has also created an ad campaign highlighting the fact that most fires are caused by humans and not “climate change,” as many left-leaning politicians claim.
As reported by LifeSiteNews last year, Smith ordered arson investigators to look into why some of the wildfires that raged across the vast expanse of the province had “no known cause” shortly after they spread.
Indeed, despite claims that wildfires have drastically increased due to “climate change,” 2023 research revealed that wildfires have decreased globally while media coverage has spiked 400 percent.
Furthermore, many of the fires last spring and summer were discovered to be caused by arsonists and not “climate change.”
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have arrested arsonists who have been charged with lighting fires across the country, including in the Yukon, British Columbia, and Alberta.
In Quebec, satellite footage also showed the mysterious simultaneous eruption of several blazes across the province, sparking concerns that the fires were a coordinated effort by arsonists.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and mainstream media continue to claim that the fires are unprecedentedly dangerous and caused by “climate change” in an attempt to pass further regulations on natural resources.
The reduction and eventual elimination of the use of so-called “fossil fuels” and a transition to unreliable “green” energy has also been pushed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) – the globalist group behind the socialist “Great Reset” agenda – an organization with which Trudeau and some in his cabinet are involved.
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