Grand Opening for Joint School, Recreation Center in Coaldale – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

A great project in Coaldale, Alta. It officially began on Friday, with the attendance of government officials, community members and stakeholders.

The teams are now working on a piece of land in northwest Coaldale, as part of a new school and recreation facility, created through a partnership between the Town of Coaldale and the Palliser School Division.

“I think it’s extremely important to recognize that the support (for) this program is enormous,” said supt. Dave Driscoll.

“When we move into this building, it will be something accessible to the entire community.”

The division received funding for the school as part of the Alberta government’s 2021 budget, which outlined $ 1.6 billion for a total of 14 capital projects.

According to Palliser, it will be attached to the recreation center and can accommodate 855 students in grades 7-12, replacing the 60-year-old Kate Andrews High School.

The future of that building has yet to be decided.

“As we move forward, high schools should have something completely different than they did 15, 20, 30 or 40 years ago,” Driscoll said. “We need to modernize our facilities so that today’s students can learn for tomorrow.”

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to expand, (and to) bring more programming and more events and activities that people in the city and the community will be able to enjoy,” said Twister Steel Fitness owner Jordan Sailer, who will be operating the gym. at the recreation center.

However, the location of the site has been a contentious issue in the community, with some residents concerned about safety when crossing the busy highway and train tracks.

In addition, 16th Avenue will be expanded, which does not sit well with some who live nearby.

Colin Weird, the managing director of the Alberta Bird of Prey Center located just east of the construction site, doesn’t think enough inquiries have been made.

He believes the project could negatively impact nearby wetlands and affect the center’s ability to expand.

“It seems a bit irresponsible and premature for the school to be built, without (making our facilities) a priority, or even a remote consideration,” Weir said.

“It is very disappointing, (because) we have worked on the (Alberta Birds of Prey) site in cooperation with the city and the province for 40 years and this is basically being imposed on us at the last minute.”

According to a WA Environmental Services report dated November 28, 2018, an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted at the site.

“Based on the information collected and observations made during this investigation, the Phase I Site Environmental Assessment has revealed no environmental contamination associated with this site,” the document reads.

“No further environmental investigation of the site is recommended at this time.”

Mayor Kim Craig, who is serving his last term in the city, said studies have been conducted and that this location makes more financial sense, with more homes expected to be built in the area in the coming years.

“We have extensive work on the city’s website, a 640-page document, and all kinds of documentation that shows that this is the best site,” he explained.

“This is a great moment for Coaldale and a great moment for me. I have no regrets and I am proud to finish on a very high note. “

“(We) had to overcome some of those hurdles, but I hope that as people see the vision of this and the long-term gain for the community and for the youth of this community, it will be a success for all,” Driscoll added. .

Craig said the project will bring an estimated economic growth of $ 50 million in the area. Expect the installation to be completed in about a year and a half or two.