In response to Alberta’s unprecedented population growth, Budget 2026 is allocating $8.6 billion to the Schools Now program, aiming to build and modernize over 100 schools and create more than 200,000 student spaces across the province.
Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the commitment to providing quality education for all students, regardless of their location.
Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides highlighted the approval of 40 new school projects, including 16 in rural and smaller communities, to ensure students have access to modern learning spaces.
Infrastructure Minister Martin Long noted that these projects will create or renovate over 9,800 student spaces, addressing the needs of growing communities.
The 16 new school projects will be located in fast-growing communities such as Airdrie, Canmore, Caslan, Cochrane, Fort Saskatchewan, Lac La Biche, Legal, Paddle Prairie, Red Deer, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Stony Plain, and Sylvan Lake.
This initiative builds upon the 63 previously announced projects currently underway in communities outside of Edmonton and Calgary.
With a total of 161 active school projects, Alberta is taking significant steps to ensure every child has a space to engage and thrive in the education system.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
