Provincial ministers, teachers and students gathered at the Penhold Elementary School on Tuesday to announce the new name of the school as the Penhold Waskasoo Middle School. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti

Penhold Waskasoo Middle School

New middle school in Penhold expected to be completed by September 2025

Apr 25, 2023 | 6:56 PM

A new middle school in the Town of Penhold is expected to be built by September 2025.

Provincial ministers, teachers and students gathered at the Penhold Elementary School (1500 Fleming) on Tuesday to announce the details of the next phase in the project and its renaming as the Penhold Waskasoo Middle School. Shawn Russell, Associate Superintendent Corporate Services, says the name the name was chosen by the Board of Directors after community suggestions through a survey. He says Waskasoo is not only the name of a creek near the new school but the new school will be located on Waskasoo Avenue.

The provincial government says the project is part of their plan to build more schools in communities where they are needed most, particularly in growing areas.

They say the population of Penhold is projected to continue to grow in the next five years.

They note the new school will accommodate 560 students, expandable to 725, from Grades 4 – 8 and replace the current elementary school.

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“Alberta’s young learners are the community leaders of tomorrow. They need the right spaces to gain the skills needed to prepare for their bright futures. By investing in schools, we’re investing in students, while creating jobs and supporting the local economy,” said Adrianna LaGrange, Minister of Education and MLA for Red Deer-North.

LaGrange stated the design phase, with funding approved during Budget 2022, is nearly complete and is anticipated to take another two years to construct, beginning this Fall. Russell confirmed the old school will be demolished.

READ: Design funding announced for replacement of Penhold Elementary School

“I am absolutely thrilled that the Penhold replacement school was approved for full construction funding and will be moving forward soon. I have been a strong advocate for this project, as Penhold students deserve to learn in a world-class facility,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors and MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake.

Dreeshen described the design as “community-focused” with the gymnasium and cafeteria located at the front entrance for all to see. Some of the photos below have QR codes that show the interior design of the facility.

Design for the new Penhold Waskasoo Middle School. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

The Penhold school project was approved for construction funding as part of Budget 2023’s province-wide school capital announcement in March.

READ: Four central Alberta school divisions receive provincial infrastructure funding in budget

“Chinook’s Edge is extremely happy with the announcement of construction funding for the new school for Penhold. Not only will it address the capacity issue for the community, but it will replace a facility that is at the end of its life cycle,” said Holly Bilton, board chair for Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD).

Designs for the new Penhold Waskasoo Middle School with QR codes. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

Kurt Sacher, Superintendent of Schools for CESD, said the project was their top priority due to those reasons. He says out of the three schools, Jessie Duncan Elementary School (Kindergarten to Grade 3) and Penhold Crossing Secondary School, one facility is at full capacity and the two others are over capacity. Russell says  the elementary is currently at full capacity with 230 students.

Mayor Mike Yargeau says the Penhold Waskasoo Middle School being built south of Penhold Crossing Secondary School will transform the area as it is also located near the Regional Multiplex. He believes with the town already investing roughly $3 million to create a Community Hub in the area with trail development and increased infrastructure, they will continue to attract more young families.

READ: Town of Penhold awarded federal funding for trail development

Designs for the new Penhold Waskasoo Middle School with QR codes. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

The Alberta government said they will be investing $2.3 billion over the next three years for 9,400 new spaces and over 15,500 modernized classrooms. Budget 2023 aims to support 58 projects, including:

• 13 full construction projects
• 20 design
• 14 planning
• 11 pre-planning projects.