Northland School Division is celebrating an important step forward for Paddle Prairie School. The Alberta Government has approved funding to begin planning for a replacement school.
The project was announced as part of Budget 2026, which includes new school projects across Alberta. The approval allows planning work to begin for a new school that will serve students and families in the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement.
Northland School Division has consistently identified Paddle Prairie School as a priority for replacement through its capital plans submitted to the Alberta Government. The Board of Trustees has also highlighted the need for a new school during meetings with provincial leaders as part of its advocacy efforts.
"This announcement reflects years of advocacy by the Board of Trustees to bring attention to the need for a new school in Paddle Prairie," said Board Chair Tanya Fayant. "We are grateful to Minister Dan Williams for listening and supporting this request, and we thank the leadership of Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement for standing with us and speaking to the importance of this project for students and families in the settlement."
"A replacement school in Paddle Prairie will support Northland School Division's Education Plan priorities of Connections Supporting Truth and Reconciliation and Holistic Learning," said Superintendent of Schools and CEO Cal Johnson. "This project also reflects our commitment to responsible resourcing by taking action to improve the learning spaces students and staff rely on every day. A modern school will provide space for language and culture, land-based learning, and stronger high school programming so students in the settlement can thrive and grow into contributing members of the settlement and society."
Paddle Prairie School serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement. Built in stages beginning in the 1970s, the current facility no longer has the space needed to support several important program areas. With planning now approved, the next phase will involve working with the Alberta Government on the early stages of design and development for the new school.
Northland School Division will share updates with the community as the project moves forward.
