Alberta’s government is expediting the construction of new schools to accommodate surging student enrolment, announcing $8.6 billion in accelerated funding for projects in Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding areas.
With Alberta experiencing unprecedented population growth, student enrolment in kindergarten to Grade 12 has reached historic levels. In response, the province has introduced a new funding approach, allowing school projects to advance to the next construction stage as soon as they are ready.
As a result, 11 previously announced school projects in Calgary, Edmonton, Airdrie, Chestermere, and Okotoks have moved from the design phase to full construction funding. These projects will create over 12,000 new student spaces, bringing the province closer to its goal of building and modernizing 200,000 student spaces within the next seven years.
“There is no two ways about it, Alberta is growing and growing fast, so we need to build schools now,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education.
“That’s why we are making a generational investment of $8.6 billion and fast-tracking school construction. Our commitment will help us build and open 200,000 spaces in the communities that need them most within the next seven years.”
The 11 school projects will be delivered through two public-private partnership bundles, with the next steps focusing on contractor selection and project design. More details, including project costs and timelines, will be available once contractors are chosen.
“Regardless of what stage of construction we are in, our priority is to get students into desks as quickly as possible while ensuring their classrooms are well-built for years of learning,” said Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure.
“As Alberta communities continue to grow, this announcement allows us to meet demand for school spaces faster and more efficiently.”
Local school board leaders welcomed the funding announcement, recognizing its impact on alleviating overcrowding.
Patricia Bolger, chair of the Calgary Board of Education, highlighted the importance of two new schools in Calgary’s northeast, saying, “These urgently needed new schools will benefit students in the northeast corner of Calgary, which is experiencing strong growth.”
Fiona Gilbert, board chair of Rocky View Schools, also expressed gratitude for new projects in Airdrie and Chestermere, calling them “critical” for the region’s fast-growing communities.
Last year, Alberta committed $2.1 billion to school capital investments, with the new $8.6 billion in funding expected to support up to 90 new schools and 24 renovations or replacements. Additionally, the province plans to expand the availability of modular classrooms to further address enrolment pressures.
Since implementing the accelerated school construction process, 22 previously announced school projects have been approved to advance to the next phase. The 11 projects receiving construction funding now include a mix of elementary, middle, and high schools across Alberta’s fastest-growing communities, marking a major step toward meeting the province’s educational infrastructure needs.