Work has begun on the future site of a new joint-use facility for Argyle School and École St. Pius X elementary schools in Regina.
Quorex Construction Services Ltd., under contract to build the facility, is already on-site digging out the foundation of the 11,050 square metre building – bigger than a CFL football field.
The facility has received $47 million in funding from the provincial government, which is being built at the current site of Argyle School. Upon completion, the new schools will be able to accommodate 400 students with the option to expand capacity to 500 students through the addition of relocatable classrooms.
“It is very exciting to see this project take another step forward in its development,” stated Education Minister Dustin Duncan in a release on Wednesday. “We are pleased to partner with a local Saskatchewan company on this project that will create jobs and ultimately brand new schools for our students.”
The design features a two-storey structure for Regina Public Schools’ Argyle School and a three-storey side for Regina Catholic Schools’ École St. Pius X. The schools will be connected through both a common area and a wide corridor that will run between the two schools’ gyms.
It will also feature a child care centre with space for 51 children, a mini gymnasium that can also be used for community events and outdoor learning circles featuring natural elements and promoting learning outdoors.
“The announcement of construction of our newest joint-use schools is a very positive signal of the return to in-class learning and the benefits of being in school,” said Regina Board of Education Chairperson Adam Hicks in the release. “Our partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan and with Regina Catholic Schools has resulted in a number of exceptional new learning facilities and we are excited to see the progress of this new joint-use facility that will benefit both our school divisions’ students and our school communities.”
“We are so blessed to have construction begin for a new École St. Pius X at this new location,” Regina Catholic Schools Board Chair Vicky Bonnell wrote. “The St. Pius community has been waiting a long time for this. We are excited to be working with our friends at Regina Public School, once again, on building a community of education. We are also grateful to the Ministry of Education for its support in moving this important project forward.”
Completion of the project is expected in the summer of 2023 in time for the 2023-2024 school year.
