Released on October 2, 2006
Premier Lorne Calvert and Learning Minister Deb Higgins joined school and community members to celebrate the grand opening of Centennial Collegiate in Saskatoon today."Projects like this help to ensure that students, staff and the whole community benefit from enhanced learning opportunities provided through high quality programs and services in modern well-equipped facilities," Calvert said. "This joint-use facility will not only meet the needs of the community by providing a community centre and soccer centre, but will help the students of Centennial Collegiate reach their full potential."
The Government of Saskatchewan has invested approximately $10.4 million for the construction of Centennial Collegiate. The total cost of $18.6 million was cost-shared with the Saskatoon Public School Division.
"In the two months the school has been open, Centennial Collegiate has already become a meeting place for the community to enjoy education, the arts, athletics and recreation," Saskatoon Public School Board of Education chair Dan Danielson said. "We are extremely proud of this unique facility which is the first of its kind in Saskatoon."
The special features of the new two-storey facility, located at 160 Nelson Road in northeast Saskatoon, include a resource room, gymnasium, practical arts labs and classrooms, science labs and student commons area. It also includes a performing arts theatre where dance academy programs will be offered.
The City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. have contributed approximately $12.9 million for the construction of an indoor/outdoor soccer centre adjacent to the collegiate. Both the City and Centennial Collegiate will share the soccer centre for seasonal programs.
There are currently 375 Grade 9 and 10 students enrolled at Centennial Collegiate, with Grades 11 and 12 to follow in the fall of 2007. The collegiate's capacity is approximately 1,000 students.
"I would like to congratulate the Saskatoon Public School Division, the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. on their collaboration in this innovative project," Calvert said. "Your investment in this project demonstrates your commitment to high-quality education and recreational opportunities."
The total government commitment to pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 capital projects this fiscal year is $22 million.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Margaret Ball Facilities - Saskatchewan Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5631 | Jacquie McLean Saskatchewan Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609 |
Nicole Fellinger Saskatchewan Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-1069 | Joy Adams Bauer Saskatoon Public Schools Saskatoon Phone: (306) 683-8325 |