Muhammad Amanullah | July 15, 2026
DMONTON, Alberta (The Ture Post) — The Government of Alberta has announced that 41 school construction and modernization projects under its Schools Now program will be accelerated, reducing project completion timelines by more than nine months and allowing thousands of students to access new educational facilities sooner.
The province says the faster delivery schedule will help address Alberta’s rapidly growing student population by providing additional classroom space and modern learning environments across dozens of communities.
The announcement marks the second phase of the Schools Now initiative, following the successful acceleration of four pilot projects introduced in May 2025.
Schools Now Program Moves into Next Phase
According to the Alberta government, the second phase of the Schools Now program will streamline planning and construction processes, enabling projects to move from design to construction more quickly.
Officials say the initiative is designed to reduce delays, improve efficiency, and ensure that students and families benefit from new schools much earlier than originally planned.
The province expects the accelerated timelines to shorten project delivery by over nine months, helping communities respond more effectively to increasing enrolment.
More Than 39,000 New Student Spaces
Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said accelerating all 41 projects brings the construction of more than 39,000 new student spaces significantly closer to reality.
He noted that residents across Alberta will soon begin seeing visible progress as construction advances in communities where new schools and major expansions are urgently needed.
The investment is expected to improve educational capacity in fast-growing urban and suburban areas while also replacing aging school infrastructure in established communities.
Education Minister Highlights Importance of Community Schools
Education and Child Care Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said having a local school is one of the most important services for growing communities.
He explained that neighbourhood schools allow children to attend classes close to home, reduce travel times, and strengthen local communities by giving families greater access to quality education.
Nicolaides added that the accelerated projects will ensure more Alberta families have access to modern educational facilities within their own communities.
$8.6 Billion Investment in Alberta’s Future
Launched in September 2024, the C$8.6 billion Schools Now program represents one of the largest education infrastructure investments in Alberta’s history.
The initiative aims to build new schools while expanding, modernizing, and replacing existing facilities across the province.
Government officials say the investment has become increasingly necessary because Alberta’s education system has welcomed more than 90,000 additional students over the past four years.
Rapid population growth has placed significant pressure on classrooms, particularly in Calgary, Edmonton, and other expanding municipalities.
Calgary to Receive 16 Accelerated Projects
The City of Calgary will benefit from 16 accelerated school projects, serving students in:
- Public schools
- Catholic schools
- Francophone schools
- Charter schools
Many of these projects are located in rapidly growing suburban communities where student enrolment has increased substantially in recent years.
The province says the additional classroom capacity will help reduce overcrowding and support long-term community growth.
Edmonton Also Sees Major Expansion
In Edmonton, work will be accelerated on 11 education projects designed to address rising enrolment and aging school infrastructure.
The projects include:
- New elementary schools
- New high schools
- Expansions of existing schools
- Major modernization projects
- Replacement of older school buildings
These improvements are expected to provide safer, more modern learning environments for thousands of students throughout the capital region.
School Leaders Welcome the Announcement
Laura Hack, Chair of the Calgary Board of Education, welcomed the government’s decision, saying more than half of the board’s priority school projects are now moving into the next phase of the Schools Now program.
She said advancing 11 Calgary Board of Education projects toward construction will accelerate the delivery of much-needed classroom space across every part of the city.
Meanwhile, Lori Iovinelli, Board Chair of the Calgary Catholic School District, described the investment as more than simply constructing new buildings.
She said each new Catholic school represents an investment in children’s futures, stronger communities, and Alberta’s long-term economic success.
Projects Across Alberta
Beyond Calgary and Edmonton, numerous communities throughout Alberta will benefit from the accelerated construction program.
In southern Alberta, new schools are planned for Airdrie, Brooks, and Chestermere.
Communities in central Alberta, including Red Deer, Beaumont, Sherwood Park, Morinville, St. Albert, and Wetaskiwin, will see new schools, major renovations, and modernization projects.
In northern Alberta, projects in Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie County, and Fairview will include school replacements and upgrades designed to provide students with safe, modern learning environments.
Looking Ahead
The Alberta government says accelerating school construction is a key part of its long-term strategy to meet the province’s rapidly growing educational needs.
As Alberta continues to experience record population growth, officials believe expanding educational infrastructure will help ensure students have access to high-quality learning environments while supporting families and strengthening communities across the province.
The Schools Now program is expected to continue advancing additional projects in the coming years as Alberta works to keep pace with rising enrolment and future population growth.
