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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

excitement for students to see school

New Blackfalds high school complete; part of successful P3 model, says province

Jun 27, 2024 | 4:32 PM

The Government of Alberta says construction of the new high school in Blackfalds is complete.

Iron Ridge Secondary Campus, which is operated by Wolf Creek Public Schools, and was built using a public-private partnership (P3), the government notes, will welcome students this September.

The province says through its build, and that of four others using a P3 model, it has saved $114.5 million.

Another P3 school, a K-5 in Blackfalds run by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, is on the way, with contracts being finalized in early 2025 to build it and a bundle of six others around the province.

“Alberta’s government is committed to building the school infrastructure students across the province need,” says Peter Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure. “P3 builds represent our commitment to ensuring schools are built, and Alberta taxpayers get the best value for their investment. I cannot wait for students to enjoy their new spaces.”

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The province claims using P3 and bundling projects allows money to be saved through efficiencies in construction, including the purchase of materials in bulk.

The most recent bundle was done by Concert-Bird Partners, and the province adds it has delivered 45 schools through P3 since 2008 — saving $360 million.

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Ed Coles, principal at the new Iron Ridge campus in Blackfalds, shares that from his perspective, the school wouldn’t have come to fruition without the P3 model, which he describes as being seamless and smooth, save for a few different steps than usual.

Excitement is growing now that construction is complete, he says.

“Right now, there are seven delivery trucks outside the school, and all the furniture and appliances, and fun things like TVs and computers, are being brought in. We took possession June 1 and so far the list of deficiencies is quite small,” says Coles.

“We’re most excited to see people come in and see students use the space.”

Coles shares that when students arrive in September, they will be the first to see an in-school art installation created by the Blackfalds & Area Historical Society in conjunction with Voyager Art & Tile.

The installation will showcase the history of Blackfalds and the Blindman River.

The school will also offer an on-campus alternative learning space called In Reach — as opposed to an alternative learning space where students have to go off-campus.

Coles also shares that the team has chosen ‘Bisons’ as the team name, with purple and white as team colours. These were selected by Grade 9s and 10s through a survey earlier this year.

And the football field is being worked on throughout the summer, with a program set to launch in fall 2025. The school is still looking for football team sponsors.

When the school opens this fall, it will otherwise offer a full slate of athletics.

A grand opening is set for Sept. 12.

If families, residents or sponsors have questions about the school or opportunities to become involved, they can contact Principal Ed Coles by emailing ed.coles@wolfcreek.ab.ca.

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