Province approves consolidated elementary and high school in Carrot River

By consolidating the two existing schools in Carrot River and potentially bringing in students from Arborfield, Rempel estimates the new school could host up to 350 students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12. He compared it to the Hudson Bay Community School that opened in 2015.

While the total amount of provincial funding is still unknown, Rempel said the province typically approves nearly $1 million for the school’s design for the first year, then provide year over year funding once shovels hit the ground.

The site of the consolidated school will be where the Carrot River Jr. Sr. High School resides. Rempel added the new gymnasium built on the site will be accessible for the new building and won’t have to be an expenditure.

The NESD hopes to communicate with communities before the end of June, but there’s no timeline to begin discussions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What this means for Carrot River’s landscape

The NESD is able to seek out partnerships for joint use of the new school. Municipalities and communities can fundraise if they want additional space in the footprint of the school.

Kevin Trew, Carrot River’s town administrator, was excited about the provincial funding coming the town’s way, as the school can also be a new centre for activity.

“There haven’t been any plans made specifically for what will be in the new consolidated school, but both the R.M. of Moose Range No. 486 and the town have had very preliminary discussions,” Trew told northeastNOW. “There’s going to be an expectation that there’s some fundraising done locally to support any community enhancements or parts the community would like to see in the new school.”

Even though Carrot River Elementary School will be empty following consolidation, Trew said the actual building and grounds of the area is still in good shape. Citing there are still community events hosted in the gymnasium and the classrooms can be converted for other uses.

“That building is certainly a mainstay in Carrot River. To our knowledge, it won’t be demolished,” he said.

Until then, Trew said the primary focus for the town will be to upgrade transportation and utility services near the Carrot River Jr. Sr. High School before construction of the consolidated school begins.

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow

by Aaron Schulze

Province approves consolidated elementary and high school in Carrot River

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