Government of Alberta announces construction funding for new Blackfalds High School
Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) is excited by the Government of Alberta’s formal announcement of full construction funding for a new high school in Blackfalds.
Full construction funding for the new high school, with a student capacity of 850, was announced March 10, 2020 during an event at Iron Ridge Intermediate Campus in Blackfalds.
“Today’s announcement is a tremendous next step toward a new high school for the community of Blackfalds,” said Pam Hansen, WCPS Board Chair. “We want to sincerely thank all the partners involved, including the Town of Blackfalds and Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure for recognizing this need, and making this new school a priority.”
Blackfalds does not currently have a high school and students are bused to Lacombe.
“Schools bring immense value to both students and the community. Blackfalds is one of the fastest growing communities in Alberta, and this new high school will provide our community with a state-of-the-art facility, supporting opportunities for Career and Technology Studies (CTS) programs, performing arts, and recreational activities,” said Ron Orr, MLA, Lacombe-Ponoka. “With the opening of their first high school, I am pleased that Blackfalds students will now be able to complete their education in their own community instead of commuting to Lacombe just to attend high school.”
The Town of Blackfalds has been close partners in advocating for a new high school.
“Today is an important milestone for the Town of Blackfalds,” said Richard Poole, Mayor of Blackfalds. “We appreciate the continued support that has been provided by Wolf Creek Public Schools in making this need a reality. We also acknowledge and appreciate the foresight our Ministry of Education has provided by investing, not only in infrastructure but more importantly, in the positive and progressive future for new generations of Albertans."
MLA Ron Orr made the announcement, surrounded by Blackfalds students and school staff, on behalf of Education Minister Adriana LaGrange. He explained, in addition to CTS programming, the school will include flexible spaces that may be used to support the performing arts. The project will also include a partnership with the municipality for joint use of recreational facilities and parking opportunities.
“Education remains a priority and our government’s significant investment in school infrastructure is delivering on our promise to prioritize schools for today and generations to come,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education, Government of Alberta.