Schools in the two biggest cities in Saskatchewan are getting full, and the need for more schools is higher than ever.
The 2024-25 budget for the province includes more money to construct new schools.
After the budget announcement on Wednesday, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill mentioned the significant growth in the two major cities.
The budget shows an increase of $68.7 million, making a total of $216 million for school infrastructure. The education ministry's overall budget is $3.3 billion.
$8.8 million of the funding will be used for planning nine new schools and renovations, especially in the major cities.
Regina
Over the last 25 years, Regina's east end has seen big growth, but not enough new schools have been built to meet the demand.
Plans are being made for one combined elementary school (public and catholic) and one combined high school on the east side of Regina.
Regina Mayor Sandra Masters is working to find land for the new schools, aiming to place them in the local neighborhoods, which she believes will strengthen the community.
High school students in the east end have mainly attended Campbell High School as the only other high school in the area is Johnson Collegiate.
Masters believes that the new high school will reduce traffic issues in the area.
Regina Mayor Masters hopes the joint-use school with a recreation center will be well used and beneficial to the community.
There are plans to include a community center in the joint-use school in the east side of Regina, similar to the one in Harbour Landing.
Saskatoon
In Saskatoon, a similar plan is in place.
A joint-use elementary school is being planned for Saskatoon's Brighton neighborhood, while a new joint-use high school is set to be built in the city's east end.
Ward 2 Coun. Hilary Gough mentioned the long wait for a new school in the community.
Residents in the neighbourhood have been eager for the new schools, and the progress is exciting, according to Gough.
There is no set timeline for the school completion, but Gough estimates the high school could be finished by late 2026 or early 2027.
The new schools in Brighton will provide assurance for families moving into the area that their children can attend a school nearby, which will help unite the community.
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark noted the significant increase in the city's population and believes the new schools will help ease some of the pressures.
Clark stated that this is extremely necessary and well-received, but the truth is, we will require additional schools immediately.
