Richard Froese
South Peace News
Plans to upgrade the aging Georges P. Vanier School building in Donnelly have moved another step forward with funding commitment from the Alberta government.
Vanier is one of 11 school projects in the province the government will fast-track, says a government news release May 21.
Funding to the design stage from planning has been allocated to High Prairie School Division.
No specific funding amount was announced.
The modernization of Vanier School for Grades 7-12 was on the HPSD board’s three- year capital plan for many years, says board chair Joy McGregor, who also chaired the board in March 2023 when initial funding was announced.
“It is great to see this project moving ahead to the next stage.
“I hope we can see forward action to modernize the school.”
Vanier was originally built in 1955 with the boiler house and was modernized in 1968 and 1969.
Previous funds for planning allowed HPSD to conduct a site analysis.
The planning stage defined the anticipated project scope, a schedule for the project and cost to support site readiness.
During the planning process, HPSD created a functional plan, such as the size and type of classrooms, the kinds of Career and Technical Studies (CTS) programs to offer, gymnasium space and establish partnerships.