Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education trustees have voted in favour of the division's three-year capital plan, including requests to the province for three school modernization projects.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education will move ahead with its submission of three school modernization projects, seeking approval from the Ministry of Education.
Trustees voted in favour of the school division’s 2026-2029 three-year capital plan during a public meeting Tuesday, including priorities to move ahead on modernization projects at St. Patrick’s, Mother Teresa and St. Mary’s schools.
The facility modernizations also align with the division’s 10-year planning priorities that forecast capital planning over the next decade.
St. Patrick’s School’s modernization project is pegged at more than $24 million and would incorporate the removal of the six old portable classrooms and replaced with permanent construction.
The school would also undergo redevelopments to allow for the creation of a central Gathering Space and Learning Commons that would serve both students and the community.
As well, the school’s hot-water heating system and mechanical ventilation are at their anticipated end-of-service life. MHCBE says the school’s electrical system is inadequate to meet the requirement for technology.
If approved the division hopes construction will begin in 2027.
Mother Teresa School’s modernization project is estimated to cost more than $21 million and would also include the removal of 50-year old portable classrooms.
Modular classrooms currently on site would be repositioned and connected to the school via a new connecting link. This will also provide additional learning space for the school’s projected growing student enrolment.
The school would also see new amenities added, including a central gathering space, project centre and break-out space.
The facility’s exterior, including windows and doors, are also due for replacement and MHCBE says the school’s electrical is inadequate to meet the requirements for technology.
If approved, construction is planned to begin in 2028.
MHCBE’s French immersion and performing arts junior high school will undergo the most costly modernization, estimated at $34 million. If approved, the funds will be used to reduce St. Mary’s student population to 650.
Midway through the 2026-27 school year some students from St. Mary’s will relocate to St. Francis Replacement School.
The modernization project includes adding team teaching areas and adequate fine arts facilities.
St. Mary’s is in need of an HVAC replacement, and the exterior of the building requires infill windows and planning replacements. The school’s electrical system is also outdated.
MHCBE says the facility has been adapted to changing demand over decades and needs to address several building code compliance issues.
The timeframe includes a Value-Scoping Session planned in late 2026 that will provide project scope and anticipated budgets to be established with stakeholders.
“These three projects are important to the division’s needs,” said Greg MacPherson, secretary treasurer.
