The chairman of a task force advocating for a new school in Saint John says this week’s provincial promise of money to buy land is important, but disappointing.
The Department of Early Childhood Development and Education announced Wednesday that a new school would be built on the central Saint John peninsula.
Minister Dominic Cardy committed $ 2.2 million from his department’s capital budget for 2022-23 to purchase land for the school, which would replace St. John the Baptist / King Edward School and Prince Charles School.
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Saint John attorney Gary Lawson, chair of the Central Peninsula School Task Force, said it’s a step in the right direction. Still, he admitted that he expected more from the province.
“Personally, I was hoping that we would see some funding for design work,” Lawson said. “And even potentially some funding in next year’s budget for the start of construction. And instead, we have the acquisition of land, which is a very important part. “
Lawson said she is concerned that the school plan will not come true quickly enough.
Saint John Common Councilor and former MLA Gerry Lowe told Global News Wednesday that it could be 2027 or later before the doors open.
Lawson said he is unsure of the timeline, but that there is an urgent need for what he calls a “community center.”
“The school would be part of the center that would serve the community,” Lawson said. So I think that is very important for the community, as well as for the parents of the children here. “
Cardy also announced a new school for Fredericton that would also replace two existing schools. It has budgeted $ 1.5 million for the acquisition of land for that project.
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The Department of Early Childhood Education and Development responded to Global News’ questions about the schedule for a new school in Saint John with an emailed statement.
“The project announcement is the first step in the construction of new school buildings,” wrote department spokesman Falvio Nienow. “The department is now in the preliminary planning stages. Several other steps are required before construction can begin, including potential property analysis, architectural design services, contract award, concept and design creation, and bidding.
“Project timelines will be announced as planning progresses.”
Lawson said his task force recommended a location for the new Saint John School to education officials, but added that it is ultimately up to the department.
Reference-globalnews.ca