Released on September 22, 2020
Today, Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant joined The Battlefords MLA Herb Cox and representatives from the Light of Christ Catholic School Division to announce planning has begun for an $11.5 million renovation at John Paul II Collegiate in North Battleford. The investment is part of the government’s $7.5 billion two-year capital plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate economic recovery following the pandemic.
“This is significant news for students at John Paul II Collegiate and the North Battleford community,” Wyant said. “Our government understands the value of preserving our existing school infrastructure. This investment will serve North Battleford students, staff and families, and will provide a boost to our provincial economy as we recover from the pandemic.”
John Paul II Collegiate is an historical school built in 1912, with the last major renovation occurring in 2004. The renovation includes an addition to the servery and industrial arts areas, as well as upgrades to the washrooms, common area floors and other existing spaces.
“We look forward to offering exciting new learning opportunities to our students, our staff and the community,” Light of Christ Catholic Schools Board Chair Glen Gantefoer said. “In addition to ensuring even greater safety and accessibility, this renovation will allow us to continue to provide for cutting edge learning opportunities that ensure students have the necessary skills for future success.”
Since 2007, the province has committed more than $1.9 billion toward school infrastructure projects, which includes 85 major school capital projects and numerous smaller projects such as portable classrooms and preventative maintenance and renewal.
Since 2013-14, Saskatchewan Education’s Preventative Maintenance and Renewal program has provided approximately $281 million to school divisions and the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises to proactively address maintenance requirements as they arise. These projects support the safety and well-being of our students and school staff, while also ensuring that Saskatchewan schools are built to last well into the future.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Hodges
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: chris.hodges@gov.sk.ca
Cory Rideout
Light of Christ RCSSD
North Battleford
Phone: 306-445-6158
Email: c.rideout@loccsd.ca