ST. PAUL – While the design process for a proposed new school in Mallaig has moved ahead over the past 12 months, the school was not included in the province's list of new school builds, leaving some uncertainty around when construction of a new school might begin.
Jean Champagne, secretary-treasurer for St. Paul Education, recently told the board of trustees that the proposed school did not receive funding for construction from the provincial government, this year.
During the St. Paul Education board meeting on March 13, Champagne said there seemed to be more focus on bigger areas like Calgary and Edmonton. St. Paul Education is still hopeful that the school could be approved for construction funding next year.
Trustee Dwight Wiebe felt it was important to clarify that just because “we’re not in this list,” does not mean the proposed new school will not be constructed - it just means there is a delay.
Background and possible daycare space
In March 2023, funding for the proposed school's design was approved by the Alberta government.
As the process moved along, St. Paul Education began looking into adding a daycare space to be included in the new school design. The daycare space would cost about $900,000 and would not be funded by the provincial government.
Sylvie Smyl, chair of the board, explained that daycare space is outside the Alberta government’s funding scope when providing grants for the building of schools, which can be challenging, “Especially in a community like Mallaig that could use more daycare space.”
“That is why we are working hard at trying to make this a reality in this community,” said Smyl. St. Paul Education has been seeking funding support, including from the County of St. Paul.
In February 2024, the County committed $300,000, dependent on a tripartite agreement. St. Paul Education is still exploring other funding options.
County of St. Paul Reeve Glen Ockerman said he is hopeful the school division can find the rest of the $600,000. “I think it’s possible,” he said, noting, there is a need for a daycare in the community.
“There are so many new families in the area... So many parents have to work,” he said.
Community engagement session
On March 7, St. Paul Education held a community engagement session in Mallaig, attended by local political delegates such as MLA Glenn van Dijken and local councillors, in addition to members of the community.
Over 70 people were there.
The community engagement is part of the school division’s strategic plan and priorities, explains Smyl.
“We’re hoping to engage all of our communities. Every community may look a little bit different on what the topics [of needs] are. This one [in Mallaig] happened to be about this new school design which we... showed members of the public,” said Smyl.
The integration of the daycare space into the school design was also a major topic during the event.
Smyl said many people in the community are interested and hopeful for the daycare, because it could also be an after-school care space and a playschool space, not just a daycare.
Smyl said there will be more community engagement events held in other communities throughout the year, allowing the school division to hear about specific needs in each community.
