EDMONTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
2026-2029 Capital Plan

The 2026-2029 Capital Plan addresses significant enrolment pressures and was approved by the Edmonton Catholic Schools Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled Public Board Meeting on March 19, 2025. This plan highlights the need for nearly a dozen projects over three years.

The first year of the 2026-2029 Capital Plan calls for full funding for six projects: 

• New Catholic High School (10-12) in Lewis Farms/Rosenthal (Approved for Planning in March 2025)
• New Catholic High School (10-12) in The Meadows/Silver Berry (Approved for Planning in March 2025)
• New Catholic High School (10-12) in Windermere/Glenridding Heights
• Northwest Solution in Oxford/Palisades (Approved for Planning in March 2025), Chamberry/Elsinore, Rapperswill, and Griesbach 
• 118 Ave-West Solution - Replacement School at St. Alphonsus School site
• New Catholic School (K-9) in Kirkness

The Capital Plan focuses on three key areas: addressing space shortages, particularly in high schools; modernizing or replacing existing facilities; and reimagining certain areas with an integrated solution that incorporates more than one school facility to ensure equitable access to Catholic schools and programming.

(Left to right: Amber Nicholson, Shayne Billey, Gosia Beringer (St. Brendan Catholic Elementary/Junior High School Administration), Trustee Alene Mutala, Board Chair Sandra Palazzo, Hon. Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education, Hon. Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure, Superintendent John Fiacco, Trustee Debbie Engel, Trustee Terry Harris, and Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson)

As part of Budget 2025, the Alberta Government made a planning funding commitment for two High Schools and a K-9 replacement school. 

Earlier this year, as part of the School Construction Accelerator Program, the Alberta Government approved full construction funding for a new K-9 school in West Laurel, and a new K-9 school in Rivers Edge. 

Enrolment Growth Highlights Critical High School Needs

Over the past three years, our Division has grown by nearly 7,000 students, an increase of about 15.5%. Families are choosing Edmonton Catholic Schools in ever-increasing numbers. Nearly half of ECSD's schools (42 out of 92) are operating beyond their intended capacity despite adding 33 modular classrooms to overcrowded schools throughout the city.  

"This incredible growth reflects the confidence that families have in the excellent Catholic education we provide," said Board Chair Sandra Palazzo. "More students means a greater need for school spaces, teachers and support staff, and resources to ensure every child receives the excellent education and supports they deserve."

In September 2024, ECSD opened a new high school in Heritage Valley. Despite the addition of the 1,330-capacity Father Michael McCaffery Catholic High School, the Division remains short by more than 1,000 high school spaces. This has led to overcrowding in almost every high school, with an average utilization rate of 103%. For example, Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School is bursting at the seams with a utilization rate of 143. While the opening of Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School in September 2026 will help alleviate some of those pressures, there is still a desperate need for high school spaces across the city.  

The top three priorities for ECSD are new high schools that will service communities in West, Southeast, and Southwest Edmonton. These areas will see substantial development over the next few years, resulting in more families registering for school. This expected growth has led to an urgent need for high schools in these areas.

Prioritizing Modernizing or Replacing Aging Facilities

Established communities deserve equitable access to modern learning spaces and that means addressing aging infrastructure. At more than 70 years old, both St. Alphonsus Catholic Elementary/Junior High and St. Gerard Catholic Elementary School no longer meet students' needs. 

Serving some of the most marginalized and socially vulnerable populations in the city, the 118 Ave-West Solution would see a replacement Catholic K-9 school built on the St. Alphonsus school site. This would not only provide students with a vibrant and engaging learning environment but would also revitalize a community Edmonton Catholic Schools has been a part of for more than seven decades and pave the way for a positive generational impact for the families it serves.

If this project is approved, it would immediately save $13.5 million in maintenance costs, $3.6 million in deferred maintenance costs, and the lifecycle costs associated with aging schools. 

Planning for the Future in Northeast Edmonton

Northeast Edmonton is one of the fastest growing areas in our City with significant growth expected over the next few years. Building a K-9 school in the Kirkness/Horse Hill area is vital to ensuring students in the community have equitable access to Catholic education. Without funding, Catholic Elementary and Junior High schools in the area will be severely overutilized and face enrolment pressures.