Following the approval of three major infrastructure projects through the provincial government's Schools Now program, the Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) Board of Trustees has updated its Capital Plan to address emerging needs across the division.
A new school for Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement was added to the Schools Now program at the planning stage this spring, joining the division's Cold Lake South Solution, also in the planning stage, and a replacement school for Vera M. Welsh Elementary School in Lac La Biche, which is currently under construction.
"We are grateful to have three projects moving forward and for the opportunity to better meet the needs of our students in those communities," said Board Chair Karen Packard. "Now that those projects are being addressed, we are focused on our next set of critical infrastructure needs."
A modernization of Ecole Plamondon School, which has been on the division's Capital Plan for over 20 years, is now the top priority in the division's Three-Year Capital Plan. The Board's other top priorities include:
- a safe front entrance for Duclos School in Bonnyville,
- a modernization of Kikino School, and
- a modernization of H.E. Bourgoin Middle School in Bonnyville.
Additional 10-Year Capital Plan requests include a safe front entrance for Cold Lake High School, and an audit upgrade for Wandering River School.
Safety remains a driver of the Board's requests. Following a review in 2019, NLPS identified several schools requiring upgraded entrances to ensure a secure environment for students and staff. While many upgrades have been completed, some projects, such as Duclos School and Cold Lake High School, require provincial support due to their scope and complexity.
"We want to ensure all of our schools provide a safe and secure environment for students and staff," said Packard. "It is a key component of creating safe and caring spaces where the focus is on learning."
The plan also outlines projects approved for Capital Maintenance Renewal (CMR) funding, including:
- main entrance upgrades at Glendon School
- washroom upgrades at Ecole Plamondon School
- programming and washroom upgrades at Cold Lake Junior High,
- main entrance upgrades at Duclos School in Bonnyville, and
- gym enlargement at North Star Elementary School in Cold Lake.
The full 2027-2030 Capital Plan is available on the NLPS website.
LINK: 2027-2030 Capital Plan
