Edmonton Catholic Schools is thrilled to announce that the Alberta Government has provided full construction funding for two much-needed Catholic K-9 schools in West Laurel and Rivers Edge. This investment is critical in addressing the unprecedented enrolment growth and ensuring all students have access to high-quality Catholic learning environments.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Alberta Government for investing in Catholic education and supporting our rapidly growing student population. These new schools in West Laurel and Rivers Edge will provide much-needed learning spaces, ensuring our students have the high-quality Catholic education they deserve," said Board Chair Sandra Palazzo.
Both projects received design funding in the March 2024 Budget. With all permits in place and sites ready for construction, they qualified for the School Construction Accelerator Program, receiving full construction funding.
"The Alberta Government's School Construction Accelerator Program is a game-changer for our Division, allowing us to fast-track new schools and modernize existing ones to meet the needs of our growing student population. We are also grateful for the collaborative efforts between our planning and facilities departments. They worked with Alberta Infrastructure to create the conditions for us to receive construction funds ahead of schedule," added Chair Palazzo.
As of September 29, 2024, ECSD has reached an enrolment of 50,107 students, marking a 4.9% increase from the previous year. With an overall utilization rate of 100%, the need for additional school spaces has never been more pressing. The new Catholic schools in West Laurel and Rivers Edge will provide 1,900 additional student spaces, alleviating enrolment pressures on nearby schools and ensuring that Catholic education remains accessible to families in these areas.
About the New Catholic Schools
Catholic K-9 School in West Laurel
The new Catholic K-9 school in West Laurel is designed to accommodate growth within the Ellerslie, Mill Woods, and Meadows Planning Sectors. This school is critically needed to serve the current and projected student population in the area.
The school will have a capacity of 950 students and is located at 30 St. and 17A Ave. NW.
Catholic K-9 School in Rivers Edge
The new Catholic K-9 school in Rivers Edge is designed to serve the communities of Edgemont, Rivers Edge, and Stillwater. This school is critically needed to accommodate the current and projected student population within the West Henday Planning Sector. It will relieve enrolment pressures at Good Shepherd Catholic Elementary School and Sister Annata Brockman Catholic Elementary/Junior High School.
The new school will have a capacity of 950 students and is located at 23 Ave. and 199 St. NW.
Additional details, such as total project costs and timelines, will be available once contractors have been selected.
