A location has been secured for a new kindergarten-to-Grade 8 school in Carleton North, with land having been purchased for the project.
"This school will provide a much-needed update to the education infrastructure for the next generation in Carleton North," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. "I'm excited that the students will have a well-equipped learning environment that meets modern standards, where they can build brighter futures for themselves and for our province."
The $80-million project will replace four nearby schools that were all built in 1966 or earlier: Bath Community School, Florenceville Middle School, Florenceville Elementary School and Bristol Elementary school.
The new school will accommodate more than 600 students, with 32 classrooms, including those dedicated to science, music and art. It will also have a technology education room for middle school students, a double gymnasium, resource rooms and a project work area.
"This will be a welcome addition to the area, and I'm glad the location has been finalized," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson. "I look forward to working with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to make sure the design and build phases proceed without issue."
The school will be built on the west side of Route 130 in the Florenceville-Bristol district of Carleton North, near the Northern Carleton Civic Centre, the R.G. "Bun" Veysey Active Living Centre and the Trans Canada Trail system.
"Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive school where students, staff and families feel a strong sense of belonging and connection," said David McTimoney, superintendent of Anglophone West School District. "While there is still important work ahead, there is already a strong sense of optimism and anticipation for what this new school will bring to the Carleton North catchment."
With the land purchase complete, design work will begin. Construction is expected to be complete in time for the 2030-31 school year.
"This is an important and exciting milestone for our community, and a significant investment in the future of our area," said Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey. "It will serve as both an educational anchor and a catalyst for the opportunities we want to create for future generations. The future of the District of Carleton North is truly taking shape."
