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Aspen View proposes new school in Athabasca

Building a new school in Athabasca is now Aspen View School Division’s number-one priority. Previously, Aspen View had prioritized the renovation of Landing Trail Intermediate School (LTIS), and Edwin Parr Composite (EPC).

Building a new school in Athabasca is now Aspen View School Division’s number-one priority.

Previously, Aspen View had prioritized the renovation of Landing Trail Intermediate School (LTIS), and Edwin Parr Composite (EPC).

“They are becoming old schools and require major renovations,” school board superintendent Brian LeMessurier said at last week’s school board meeting.

“I’m proposing that we consider this because the (provincial) government is committing to 50 new schools and 70 school renovations.”

The proposed school would replace both LTIS and EPC. Given that planning for such a project is in the early stages, no potential locations for a new school have been identified.

“We should explore the option of a new school,” LeMessurier continued, “but I don’t want to jeopardize the possible renovations of Landing Trail and/or Edwin Parr.

“If we could be considered for building a new school, and one that could incorporate some of the existing facilities in this town, we could enhance the usage of those facilities (and) guide future development of facilities in the town and incorporate those into student programs.”

LeMessurier mentioned the development of the Wabasca area, and how Aspen View needs to look at expansion now and not later down the road when Athabasca schools are at capacity.

“(With) the kind of information we are getting around development that is happening north of Athabasca in the Wabasca area, it is being progressive.”

Trustee Edgar Koehler agreed with LeMessurier.

“We could get into to a situation where we don’t have space at existing schools to expand,” Koehler said. “So rather than renovating, we have to look down the road because we don’t have space to expand.”

Trustee Paul Ponich said he supported the building of a new school.

“In the long run it will be a cost-saving venture instead of spending money on old buildings,” he said. “We can have a new building being paid for with those funds.”

Trustee Penny Fehr said she fully supports the building of a new school.

“Not only is it progressive, but also I think it will enhance some of the education abilities for the outlying schools,” she said.

Trustee Dennis MacNeil was also in favor of the project.

“I think that when we look at moving ahead with this, it opens up nothing but doors and possibilities,” MacNeil said. “We need to be all over this.”

LeMessurier said he thought Aspen View should act now to build a new school. “Otherwise we have to wait for at least four years,” he said.

LeMessurier said he did not want to wait another four years before they could apply again for provincial funding for a new school.

“It is very progressive to consider making this request now,” he said.

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