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By David Opinko/LNN

southern alberta projects

Province funding Coaldale, Lethbridge, Milk River school projects

Mar 10, 2021 | 2:35 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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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.”

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.”

Tymensen adds that they are planning to consolidate Milk River’s elementary and high schools, but he has not been told if this funding announcement is specifically for that initiative.

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 Lethbridge School Division 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.”

“There are times that we feel we don’t always get seen,” says 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.”

Representatives with the Lethbridge School Division are expected to speak about the west side elementary school project later this afternoon.

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