Prentice government advances build-out of new schools and school expansions in Alberta
Two days ago, the Prentice government announced that they are now in Phase 3 of advancing educational projects that include a build-out of new schools and school expansions. This three-phase build-out aims to catch up to the growth of student enrollment in Alberta.
The three phases of the build-out include the following:
- Phase 1 (2011) – 35 new schools, 31 of which are already complete;
- Phase 2 (2013) – 50 new schools and 70 modernizations, all but five will be ready to accept students in 2016; and
- Phase 3 (2014) – 55 new schools and 20 modernizations
Phase 3 is a $43-million project that will fund school boards’ immediate planning for 55 new schools and 20 modernizations. One of the 55 approved schools approved in the recent announcement is Francophone School in Okotoks Ranchers’ Rise. According to a representative of the school board, planning of the new school will begin immediately and that they are expected to open enrollment to students in approximately three years.
This is good news for the Okotoks community and the Ranchers’ Rise project as a new school in town will truly help cater to the increasing number of students enrolling in Alberta.
“Alberta’s prosperous future has drawn young families from all over Canada and the world to our province. This government is listening to Albertans and acting quickly to deliver on the priorities of Alberta families and communities.”
Jim Prentice, Premier of Alberta
Being an upcoming destination for new and young families, more and more homes for sale in Okotoks are being developed. Ranchers’ Rise is one promising project in Okotoks as it provides families not just a home, but a place where they can be close to nature and really be part of a community.