Council endorses ‘community hub’ plan for new school

City council approved a $5.5-million grant Tuesday to include community meeting space, an extra gym and a running track in the proposed new Dr. Anne Anderson High School.

The facilities would be shared space, open to the community for booking when the new high school isn’t using it. That means scouts groups, community leagues, dance clubs or arts groups could have a space to meet since there are no community league buildings south of the Anthony Henday, said Coun. Tim Cartmell.

“It is very badly needed,” he told council before they voted to approve the grant. “There is literally no space south of the Henday.”

Dr. Anne Anderson High School would have space for 1,800 students. It’s in the design phase now with an opening date of September 2021, located in the district park site of the Heritage Valley Town Centre.

It is very badly needed. There is literally no space south of the Henday.

Edmonton Public Schools would be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the shared community facility. The city would be responsible for programming and operating costs during the nonschool hours. It would sign a 10year licence agreement with the school district with two five-year options to renew. Several council members initially objected to the grant, since it uses up nearly all of the funds in the Community Facility Partner Capital Grant.

However, council will consider replenishing that fund during the fall budget debates.

The money is used for grants to support partnerships with arts and community sports organizations.