Below are some common questions about February's value scoping sessions and the future of EICS in Fort Saskatchewan.
If you would like to reach out for additional information, please send an email.
The first session on Feb. 22, 2024, was an opportunity for representatives from Start Architecture to highlight the needs surrounding our school communities in Fort Saskatchewan. Prior to this session, the firm examined related documents provided by EICS, as well as conducted their own research examining the demographics of Fort Saskatchewan and the City’s anticipated future growth. After listening to Start Architecture’s presentation on its findings, value scoping attendees proposed 12 potential solutions.
A week later, the second session on Feb. 28, 2024, featured analysis by Start Architecture on the cost and feasibility of each of the 12 solutions that were suggested at the first session. Advantages, Disadvantages, and Risks were also highlighted. Those who attended shared what they thought about each solution and rated them.
More information is available in the full Value Scoping Session Report.
Parents and principals from each of our four Fort Saskatchewan schools attended both sessions. The sessions were also attended by representatives from the Alberta government; representatives from the City of Fort Saskatchewan; and members of the EICS Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership and Central Leadership teams.
When considering each potential solution, value scoping attendees were asked to weigh them against the following 23 criteria:
|
Item # |
Criteria |
Description |
|
1 |
Existing System Upgrades |
This option addresses existing building infrastructure and provides upgrades. |
|
2 |
Improves Sustainability |
Provides increased energy efficiency by upgrading mechanical systems and building envelopes (insulation, windows, etc.). |
|
3 |
Improves Supervision |
Improves supervision within the schools. |
|
4 |
Improves Site Safety |
Improves supervision and safety on the site through improved traffic circulation. |
|
5 |
Community Acceptance |
Will the option have a positive reception by the community? |
|
6 |
Support Students Learning |
Provides spaces that contribute to mental health, positive mental space, spaces with natural light. |
|
7 |
Maintain Community Presence |
Maintain mature communities by retaining schools in these areas. |
|
8 |
Improve Utilization Rates for Schools |
Consolidation of schools or reduction in areas improves utilization, sustain student enrolment. |
|
9 |
Programming Opportunities |
Provides increased opportunities through larger student numbers. |
|
10 |
Capacity of Schools at a Desirable Size |
Keeping the school within a manageable size. |
|
11 |
Best Value for Money |
Best use of dollars to achieve the best outcome, minimize capital project requests, minimize construction costs. |
|
12 |
Reduce Construction Disruption |
Modernizations can disrupt schools more than a replacement school, does the option address minimizing disruptions. |
|
13 |
Improve Functionality / Efficiency |
Improves functionality of the building and site. |
|
14 |
Meets Alberta Education Guidelines |
Meets programming guidelines. New schools are able to meet the guidelines more closely. |
|
15 |
Grade Reconfiguration Reduction of Operational Costs |
Either through replacement of existing systems or replacement of building, maintenance costs are reduced. |
|
16 |
Grade Reconfiguration |
Retains separation of age groups, provides an environment that is suitable for all ages. |
|
17 |
Aesthetics |
Provides vibrant spaces that are in keeping with the existing school and community aesthetics and reflects the individual community. |
|
18 |
Accessibility / Inclusiveness |
Improves physical and social accessibility. |
|
19 |
Expansion / Adaptable |
Able to handle future expansion on site. |
|
20 |
Walkable Communities |
Works with the idea of a walkable community and reduces travel time. |
|
21 |
Maintenance |
Reduces maintenance spending. |
|
22 |
Existing Site Issues |
Addresses existing site issues. |
|
23 |
Reduce Student Relocations |
Relocations can disrupt student learning, does the option address minimizing these disruptions. |
An initial plan to ask for $20 million for the planning, design, and construction phases of a two-for-one solution was submitted in March 2024 to meet the April 1, 2024, deadline for consideration in the province's 2025 fiscal budget. Successful funding is required for future planning, design, and build phases.
There is no set timeline.
If the next steps of the project are funded in the 2025 provincial budget, design and build contractors would need to be secured and additional details determined.
Generally, the design phase can take one to two years, and construction can take another two to three years.
It's unlikely a new school would open before 2030 at the earliest.
Details would need to be finalized should a new school be built on an existing school site, but the intent would be to keep the existing school open while minimizing the impact on students, parents, and staff as much as possible.
School boundaries would be updated as necessary to be inclusive for Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding area.
Student transportation in Fort Saskatchewan is provided by Elk Island Public Schools. We work with EIPS daily to ensure students from both divisions are on the most efficient routes now and in the future.