On Tuesday afternoon, Education Minister Dustin Duncan joined Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence, as well as students, staff and representatives from Prairie South and Holy Trinity School Divisions, at a sod-turning event to celebrate construction on a new joint-use elementary school project in the Westheath neighbourhood in the southwest area of the city, which is anticipated to begin over the next several weeks.
"Our government is committed to investing in high-quality infrastructure projects that will support the growth of students, teachers and the entire community," Duncan said.
"We appreciate and recognize the hard work and dedication of Prairie South and Holy Trinity school divisions, as well as the City of Moose Jaw, for helping make this project a reality. Together, we are laying the foundation for a better educated Saskatchewan and brighter future for our children."
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing nearly $69 million dollars in funding for the planning, design and construction of the Prekindergarten - Grade 8 school, which is a consolidation of Sacred Heart, St. Mary's, Empire and Westmount elementary schools from across both school divisions. This is an increase of approximately $19 million dollars since the site was selected in 2020.
This additional investment will help ensure the project is protected against inflationary costs and supply chain pressures.
The building is anticipated to be completed in 2025. When completed, it will accommodate 900 students from the two divisions and will also include a regulated child care facility with capacity for 51 children. Both sides of the facility will include adaptable state-of-the-art learning environments, separate gymnasiums and a shared community resource space.
The venue will also include learning stairs, which offers a formal and informal area for gathering, teaching, socializing and performing in a flexible, amphitheatre-style environment.
"We are excited to see construction begin for this brand new facility, which will provide an innovative, modern learning environment for our students and teachers," Prairie South School Division Board Chair Giselle Wilson said. "We want to thank and recognize the Government of Saskatchewan's additional investment into this project which will help support families well into the future."
"We are filled with immense pride and excitement, as we begin construction for the new joint-use school project in Moose Jaw," Holy Trinity Catholic School Division Board Chair Joann Blazieko said.
"This facility will not only nurture the academic growth of our students but also benefit the surrounding community for many years to come. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Saskatchewan and our partners for their support in making this project a reality."
Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $2.4 billion toward school infrastructure projects. These projects include 60 new schools and 30 major renovation projects with an additional five projects approved through the Minor Capital Renewal Program.
