The Government of Saskatchewan announced $110.5 million for six new major infrastructure projects for school divisions in communities across the province.聽 These projects are part of the Government of Saskatchewan鈥檚 $7.5 billion two-year capital to plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate Saskatchewan鈥檚 economic recovery.聽 Under the two-year capital to plan to build a strong Saskatchewan, over $130 million was designated for education infrastructure including major projects and maintenance funding.聽
鈥淚n addition to the largest budget day allocation for traditional build schools, these six new projects demonstrate our government鈥檚 commitment to school infrastructure,鈥� Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said in a release.聽 鈥淣ot only will these investments provide for safe and welcoming learning environments, they will also support jobs for Saskatchewan people as we move forward in these unprecedented times.鈥�
These projects are in addition to the funding announced as a part of Budget 2020-21 to build seven new schools and renovate three existing schools including $750,000 in renovations to Yorkton Regional High School (YRHS).
At the time of the YRHS announcement Quentin Robertson, Director of Education, explained that the money will be used to get the architectural and engineering plans done, which has already started as part of the annual capital application process. They had been applying for this project for twelve years.聽
鈥淲e are very thankful to our local MLAs, Warren Kaeding, Greg Ottenbreit and Terry Dennis, along with the board of Education for advocating on our behalf. A big thank you goes to our Ministry of Education and our provincial government for seeing the need, the leadership offered by Rob Currie, our deputy Minister of Education and his team, and Gord Wyant, the Deputy Premier and our Ministry of Education,鈥� he said in March.
They expect the Yorkton project itself to be in the neighborhood of $25-30 million, and to begin in 2021.
The renovation project will be focused 鈥榖ehind the scenes鈥� aspects of the facility Robertson explained, with major renovations to heating and ventilation, windows, roofing, fire-suppression, sprinkler systems, as well as asbestos abatement.
From April 2008 to June 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested approximately $1.9 billion in capital funding.聽 During this time, 85 projects have been approved including 57 new schools and 28 major renovation projects.
