ST. PAUL – The École Mallaig K-12 replacement school project is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
The provincial capital project being developed by Alberta Infrastructure is estimated to cost about $34 million, according to information from the Government of Alberta.
During St. Paul Education’s board of trustees meeting on Jan. 22, Secretary-Treasurer Jean Champagne said bids for the project are ongoing, with tenders closing on Jan. 28.
“Alberta Infrastructure is managing that process. This school division doesn’t really have any role in the process,” he said, explaining that as the school division is not involved with the tender approval process, it is difficult to predict when the actual construction will begin.
But he expects construction to begin about three weeks after the government selects a contractor, which would be in March.
Once construction begins, the project is expected to take 25 months to complete.
According to Champagne, the current school will remain open and operational for most of the project. To provide additional space, modular classrooms will be installed in the later phases of the project.
Construction zones will also be securely fenced off, and barriers will separate active school areas from construction activity to ensure safety. Emergency exits will remain open and accessible at all times.
While the gymnasium will need to close temporarily at a later phase, students will still have access to other parts of the school until the new building is ready.
“So, during [construction], there certainly will be some inconveniences for the school. And I mean, everyone knows that once it's done, it will be worth it,” said Champagne.
Champagne also said the school division and the County of St. Paul are exploring strategies for a daycare space to potentially be included in the project.
The province has confirmed the project will receive $250,000 for playground development.
