Released on September 25, 2020
Today, Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant joined Regina Coronation Park MLA Mark Docherty and representatives from Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools to announce that McDermid Community School will be part of the planning phase for a future joint-use facility in North Regina.Planning for the new joint-use school project was previously approved to involve Imperial, St. Peter and St. Michael elementary schools. The project is part of the government’s $7.5 billion two-year capital plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate our economic recovery following the pandemic.
“The new joint-use school will benefit the North Regina community by providing quality education to Regina students,” Wyant said. “This project is more evidence of our government’s commitment to provide students and staff with welcoming learning environments, while providing a boost to our province’s economic recovery.”
The project is currently moving through the scoping process to ensure students, staff, the wider community and other key stakeholders participate in providing requirements to ensure the new school meets their needs. Following the completion of scoping to inform the planning and design stage, construction of the new school is expected to begin in 2022.
The requirement gathering process will cost approximately $250,000 and is critical in delivering the project on time, on budget and within expectations.
“Rebuilding old schools from the ground up is a fundamental show of respect for our school families - it says your education matters,” Regina Public Schools Chairperson Katherine Gagne said. “By building new schools where they are needed, but also rebuilding existing schools, we can meet the growing and changing needs of all our students. Today's joint-use school announcement is a breath of fresh air and brings hope for the McDermid, Imperial, St. Michael and St. Peter school communities.”
“We are excited to work with our Regina Public Schools counterparts on another joint-use project,” Regina Catholic School Board Chair Bob Kowalchuk said. “It’s proven successful in the past, and this move allows for us to replace four aging buildings while still delivering excellent education for both public and Catholic students. This opens up a number of possibilities for our families and staff at St. Michael Community School and St. Peter School. We're thrilled.”
Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $1.9 billion toward school infrastructure projects. This includes 57 new or replacement schools as well as 28 major renovations. In addition, over the next two years the Government of Saskatchewan is investing $7.5 billion in infrastructure projects.
This includes the $2 billion capital injection to help build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate our province’s economic recovery. More than $135 million of this stimulus package will go toward four new schools, two major renovations, and many maintenance projects for school divisions in communities across the province.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Hodges
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: chris.hodges@gov.sk.ca
Terry Lazarou
Regina Public Schools
Regina
Phone: 306-523-3133
Email: terry.lazarou@rbe.sk.ca
Twylla West
Regina Catholic School Division
Regina
Phone: 306-791-1734
Email: t.d.west@rcsd.ca