The Northern Lights Public Schools Board of Trustees announced that a new replacement school for Vera M. Welsh Elementary School in Lac La Biche has officially been approved for construction.
Alberta Education confirmed the project will move ahead as part of the School Construction Accelerator Program.
“It has truly been a team effort to get this project to the final stage,” said Board Chair Karen Packard. “We are immensely grateful for the support we have received from Minister Brian Jean, Lac La Biche County, and the community in moving this project forward.”
The new school will be located near the Bold Centre and will include a learning commons that opens into a gathering area, a stage that folds into the gymnasium wall, viewing windows for parents to observe activities in the gym, a dedicated music room, two sensory rooms, and a servery to support the school’s lunch program.
A partnership with Lac La Biche County will also see the staff parking lot double as overflow parking for the Bold Centre’s new pool.
“The Board and the community have been advocating for this school for over 20 years. It is incredibly rewarding to see this dream move closer to reality,” said Packard. “We can’t wait for construction to begin and to celebrate with the community when it is completed.”
