EDMONTON — Built in 1950, the Ben Calf Robe School, which serves Indigenous students, has been due for a comprehensive modernization for some time. Now a full replacement is in the works.
In 2017, announcements outlined $18 million in funding by the province for the planned modernization of the school. However, after much deliberation, Edmonton Catholic Schools approved a motion last December to change plans by replacing the facility altogether as well as request additional funding from the province.
A recent news release indicates that following consultations with the school board, students, families and community leaders, the government has now agreed to provide additional funds for a full replacement of the facility.
The school currently has a capacity for 478 students and the planned replacement facility is expected to increase the capacity to accommodate 700 students, says the release.
The replacement school will feature advanced systems such as large windows that provide natural lighting and improved ventilation systems.
The school board is also contributing additional funding for construction of a dedicated cultural space within the facility, which will not only serve students and staff, but also families in the school community, says the release.
“I’m very grateful that our Indigenous people in Edmonton will be honoured with a state-of-the-art school. In the future, we will have a school that brings high academics along with the highest of culture and language, not only to our children but to all those who come to work and be a part of our school community,” commented community Elder Betty Letendre in a statement.
The new building will also be eligible for solar panel funding in the amount of $750,000 in an effort to reduce the school’s energy costs and contribute to the province’s commitment to help the environment.
Recent Comments
comments for this post are closed