Budget 2026 is investing in what matters and that means building and renovating more schools to meet the needs of growing rural and smaller communities. These 16 new public school projects build on the 63 previously announced projects that are currently underway in communities outside of Edmonton and Calgary.
"We are committed to building new schools across the province to catch up with the historic population growth that has been straining classrooms and staff. Every student deserves the best education we can give them, no matter where they live. That's why Budget 2026 is making targeted investments to plan and design schools in the communities that need them most, including smaller cities and rural areas."
Danielle Smith, Premier
Together, these new school projects in rural and smaller communities will create or renovate more than 9,800 student spaces. With a total of 40 new school projects funded in Budget 2026, there are now 161 active school projects underway across the province, helping ensure that every child has a space to engage and thrive in Alberta's education system.
"Whether a family lives in a major city, a smaller community or a rural area, students deserve modern learning spaces. Budget 2026 approves 40 new school projects, including 16 outside the major metropolitan areas in communities across the province, so students can continue to thrive."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
This work is part of the province's generational investment of $8.6 billion to build and renovate more than 100 schools, creating more than 200,000 spaces for Alberta students. Details of public school projects in Edmonton will be announced in the coming days.
"Growing communities need schools built faster to keep pace with demand. These 16 new projects, in addition to the others already underway, help ensure students in rural Alberta and smaller cities will have access to modern learning spaces close to home."
Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure
Alberta's student population has increased significantly, with 80,000 students joining Alberta's schools in just three years, increasing demand for classrooms across the province. In response, the 16 new school projects moving forward will be located in fast-growing communities including Airdrie, Canmore, Caslan, Cochrane, Fort Saskatchewan (two projects), Lac La Biche, Legal, Paddle Prairie, Red Deer, Spruce Grove, St. Albert (two projects), Stony Plain and Sylvan Lake (two projects).
"Airdrie is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, and families here know how important it is to have enough classroom space. Investing in rural and small city schools helps communities like ours keep up. With planning underway for the new Chinook Gate elementary and junior high school, we're making sure students have the space and support they need to learn close to home."
Angela Pitt, MLA for Airdrie-East
"Every step toward opening a new school in Rocky View Schools is a cause for celebration and an investment in the success and well-being of students, employees and communities. This highly anticipated new high school in Cochrane will provide much-needed space relief in a community that has experienced years of rapid enrolment growth. We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta to open new schools for learning as quickly as possible."
Fiona Gilbert, chair, Rocky View Schools
"This announcement marks an important milestone for francophone families in the Bow Valley. The planned K-6 and 7-12 school complex in Canmore represents a significant step toward ensuring students can access a complete and equivalent French language education within their own community. We thank the Government of Alberta for recognizing the growing needs of this region and for supporting the continued vitality of francophone education in rural Alberta."
Gregory van Duyse, chair, FrancoSud
Budget 2026 is focused on what matters, makes disciplined choices, and takes decisive action.
Quick facts
- The province's $44-million investment in school projects through Budget 2026 is part of its broader $8.6-billion Schools Now program.
- Launched in September 2024, Schools Now is accelerating school construction across Alberta and will deliver about 200,000 new and renovated student spaces by 2031-32.
- To ensure the best value for taxpayers, school project costs are released only after construction contracts are signed.
Related information
Backgrounder : Budget 2026 School projects in communities across Alberta (16)
