Sturgeon Public Schools, alongside Morinville-St. Albert MLA Dale Nally, gathered yesterday at Morinville Public School to celebrate the Government of Alberta’s March 20 announcement of design funding for the replacement of Morinville Public School. This investment marks a significant milestone in the Division’s efforts to create safe, modern, and inclusive learning spaces for students.
As the Division’s #2 capital plan priority, the replacement of Morinville Public School will address longstanding infrastructure challenges, health and safety concerns, and enrolment pressures. The original school, constructed in 1958 and expanded several times, currently serves Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4 students and relies heavily on modular classrooms—nearly 45% of the total square footage. These conditions contribute to a disjointed layout and operational inefficiencies on a site already strained by growth.
Significant issues include a sunken gymnasium vulnerable to water intrusion and mold, as well as second-floor washrooms that present accessibility barriers. This funding will support the design of a new, purpose-built school on the northwest side of the current site. The project will also include a shift in grade configuration from K–4 to K–6, enabling nearby Four Winds Public School to focus on Grades 7–9 and relieving enrolment pressures at both sites.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Alberta for recognizing the urgent need for school upgrades and future planning in our communities,” said Tasha Oatway-McLay, Board Chair of Sturgeon Public Schools. “The replacement of Morinville Public School will ensure our students continue to learn in a high-quality environment that supports their academic and personal growth. We look forward to working closely with the province to bring this project to life and provide our students with the best possible learning opportunities.”
“There’s no time to wait, we need to build schools now. The replacement of Morinville Public is a much needed project for our community and will provide students with a world-class space for them to learn, grow and reach their full potential,” said Dale Nally, MLA for Morinville-St. Albert.
Once complete, the new school will support up to 740 students. Construction will take place while the existing school remains operational, ensuring continuity for students and families.