NEW JOINT PROJECT AND JOINT-USE CHILD CARE FACILITY BREAK GROUND IN SASKATOON

Today Education Minister Russ Marchuk joined students, dignitaries and representatives from both the Saskatoon Public and Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division to celebrate the start of construction on a brand new $39.8 million joint-use education facility and an integrated joint-use childcare facility.

This partnership between both school divisions and the City of Saskatoon will see two projects form the joint facility; Willowgrove Elementary and Holy Family Elementary. A unique model, the schools share land which will accommodate instructional space for both public and catholic students and house a joint-use child care centre. Moreover, the schools will offer space to be used as a public civic facility. Combined, the facility will offer new educational space for more than 1,000 students and early learners ranging in level from pre-kindergarten to grade eight.

The Government of Saskatchewan has contributed $24.9 million toward the development of this project.

"We believe that investing in education is paramount to the success and future of Saskatchewan," Marchuk said. "This unique joint project and joint-use facility will serve students in this Saskatoon community for years to come."

"This is a very exciting day for Willowgrove families and for our school division," Saskatoon Public School Division Board Chair and Trustee representing the Willowgrove neighbourhood Ray Morrison said. "I want to thank the Willowgrove community for their patience and advocacy in getting the school approved. We appreciate the work of the community association and the input provided by community members. Also, thank you to the ministry for funding this unique and innovative facility, which will meet the growing needs of hundreds of families."

"We're excited for the Willowgrove community as we see the plans we've made together for Holy Family Catholic School become a reality," Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Board of Education Chair Diane Boyko said. "Not only will Holy Family be a faith-filled centre of learning and achieving, it will also be a versatile gathering place for the entire neighbourhood."

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $500 million since November 2007 to move forward 41 major school capital projects and 856 additional smaller school capital projects across the province. This represents a record high investment in school infrastructure in less than a five year period.

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For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506