The city centre neighbourhood in Saskatoon will see a new school welcoming students in 2024.
The government is investing $29 million to build a new pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 school in the neighbourhood, but the location of the future school has not yet been determined.
Since 2007, the province has committed more than $1.9 billion towards school infrastructure projects, which includes 85 major school capital projects and numerous smaller projects such as portable classrooms and preventative maintenance and renewal.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe spoke to media in Saskatoon on Tuesday, he spoke highly of what the future school could look like.
“Planning is underway for students attending King George, Pleasant Hill, and (Princess) Alexandra,” Moe said. “We celebrate a new beginning today, the new state of the art facility will open in 2024.”
The new school will be able to occupy roughly 500 students.
“The school board will want to hear from the community on how this school should look and operate,” Moe said. “We want a school that will serve as a hub for a community and prepare children for the future.”
“We know there will be a strong partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the City of Saskatoon.”
Moe was very vocal about his support for teachers since they started the school year.
“We are deeply grateful for your professionalism and your commitment to your students,” Moe said. “Thank you for what you have done over the last number of days.”
Colleen MacPherson, board chair for Saskatoon public schools, is excited about the future.
“It’s important to have something to look forward to these days, this project is important for the school division,” MacPherson said. “This is an investment for young people in this community.”
MacPherson said she was aware of the three school’s long-lasting presence in their communities, and that presence will be carried over to the new school.
“These schools have welcomed and educated thousands of youngsters over the years,” MacPherson said. “The facilities themselves, two of which are over a century old simply cannot keep up with the learning needs of students.”
“We will work with our families and partners to make a new school that will be vibrant and full of joy, it will meet the needs of everyone.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2022.