Planning continues for new high school and recreation centre in Coaldale

PROVINCIAL FUNDING STILL NOT IN PLACE

There’s no assurance of funding from a provincial government that’s promised to cut spending.

But officials in Coaldale are moving ahead with planning for a new high school, as part of a major recreation facility in the town’s northwest sector.

Town council and Palliser Regional Schools have hired a consulting team and will be holding public information sessions in October and November. Design work could take nine months.

“We’re excited to kick off the preliminary design phase of this project, and look forward to gathering the community’s input about what goes inside the new facility,” says Kalen Hastings, the town’s chief administrative officer.

“The joint high school and multiuse recreation facility will be a longstanding asset to our community. It will build capacity and greatly enhance our recreational opportunities and ability to host large events,” he says.

“We want to make sure that we get it right.”

A year ago Palliser’s administration, staff, students and parents met with town, county and provincial government representatives to propose a solution to Coaldale’s future educational needs. Town officials offered land adjacent to the proposed recreation facility, and the initiative was submitted to the provincial government for funding approval.

“Palliser, in order to be efficient, is continuing the design phase even though we have not yet been approved for funding,” says Palliser superintendent Dave Driscoll.

“We are hopeful that sometime in the near future we are,” he adds. “But in the meantime, we want to make sure our partnership will meet the needs of all parties for many years to come.”

The new government has not announced funding for any new school projects, however. But Palliser officials say they do have resources to cover costs of the pre-planning phase.

During this month and next, town staff members will be collaborating with Coaldale’s sport and recreation working group to meet the community’s user groups and organizations. They want to “discuss and brainstorm the potential amenities that may be desired in the new facility,” officials explain.

Then the public will be invited to take part in a series of engagement sessions to provide further input and dialogue, they say. Dates and locations will be announced in coming weeks.

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