A major school construction project in northern Alberta is facing delays after coming in significantly over budget.
During a special meeting on April 9, the Peace River School Division Board of Trustees received an update from Superintendent Dr. Jeff Thompson on the planned Red Earth Creek School. The project, originally scheduled to begin construction this month, has been cancelled in its current form after all submitted bids exceeded budget expectations—some by a substantial margin.
While exact figures weren’t disclosed, officials confirmed even the lowest bid was far above projections.
The provincial government says it remains committed to building the school, but the project will now shift to a design-build model. That change is expected to delay completion by about nine months.
In response, the Board is pushing for a meeting with provincial leaders to discuss next steps, requesting it be held in Red Earth Creek with municipal leaders present.
Trustees say their priority is ensuring students and families get the new school as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
