Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) is pleased to report positive developments in the ongoing effort to secure approval for the construction of a replacement school for Vera M. Welsh Elementary in Lac La Biche.
On Tuesday, NLPS representatives met with Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean, and Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr to discuss the status of the project.
"The meeting was positive, and everyone is aware of how long we've been advocating for this much-needed project and how much this means to the community," said Board Chair Karen Packard. "I am confident we are on the right path for moving the project forward."
In response to questions regarding the government's recently announced School Construction Accelerator Program, NLPS is hopeful that the program will expedite the approval process. This new program allows projects to be approved outside of the typical annual budget process once they meet specific criteria.
"This could potentially accelerate our timeline, which is exciting for our students and community," added Packard.
Currently, the school division is working to finalize the schematic design for Vera M. Welsh Elementary and is awaiting approval from Alberta Infrastructure on a plan to share a parking lot with Lac La Biche County. Once these steps are completed, NLPS will move forward with developing detailed drawings, which are scheduled to be finalized this spring. This is a critical step in preparing the project for tender.
NLPS is hopeful that the project will be approved for construction either as part of the March budget announcements or through the new School Construction Accelerator Program.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support and advocacy of our parents and the community," said Packard. "This project is truly a community effort, and we look forward to celebrating the next phase soon."
