Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has accelerated 41 public school infrastructure projects under its Schools Now initiative, a move aimed at expanding classroom capacity and reducing construction timelines as the province continues to witness record population growth.
Officials said the latest round of approvals will deliver more than 39,000 new and upgraded student spaces across Alberta. Of the total projects, 19 have received construction funding, while 22 others have advanced into the design phase, allowing work to progress much earlier than originally planned.
According to the provincial government, the accelerated process is expected to shave more than nine months off standard project timelines. Four projects that were already fast-tracked last year have now been given an additional boost to ensure they are completed even sooner.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said expanding access to neighbourhood schools remains a priority as communities continue to grow rapidly.
The Schools Now program, launched in September 2024 with an investment of $8.6 billion, was introduced to speed up school construction and modernization across the province. Alberta has added more than 90,000 students to its education system over the past four years, significantly increasing the demand for new learning facilities.
Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said the latest approvals represent another step toward ensuring school infrastructure keeps pace with Alberta’s growth, while reducing delays in delivering educational facilities.
Calgary accounts for the largest share of accelerated projects, with 16 schools moving ahead to support public, Catholic, francophone and charter education in expanding neighbourhoods. Edmonton will see 11 projects advance, including new schools, major modernizations, additions and replacement facilities designed to address enrolment pressures and aging infrastructure.
The expansion also extends beyond Alberta’s two largest cities. Communities including Airdrie, Chestermere, Brooks, Red Deer, Beaumont, Sherwood Park, Morinville, St. Albert, Wetaskiwin, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie County and Fairview are expected to benefit from new schools or upgraded educational facilities.
School board representatives welcomed the announcement, saying the accelerated approvals will help meet increasing demand for classroom space while providing students with safer and more modern learning environments.
Provincial officials said the Schools Now program will continue to identify opportunities to shorten project timelines and expand school capacity as Alberta’s population continues to grow.
