A long-awaited school for Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement has officially been approved by the Alberta government, marking a major step forward for students and families in the community.
Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) confirmed the project has been included in the province’s Schools Now program, allowing the development of a new school within the settlement.
A School Finally Coming to the Settlement
Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement is currently the only Métis Settlement in Alberta without a school located in the community.
Because of that, most Kindergarten to Grade 8 students are bused 23 kilometres to Caslan School each day to attend classes.
NLPS Board Chair Karen Packard says the project is meaningful both for the school division and for the community.
“We are grateful for the support we received from Minister Jean and Minister Nicolaides in moving this project forward, and the leadership provided by Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement Council,” Packard said.
“This is a project that is very meaningful for the community and the school division, and we are thrilled that it has successfully advanced from the pre-planning stage to officially become part of the Schools Now program.”
Plans for the New School
The settlement has already identified a site for the school.
Plans are for the building to be co-located with other community services, creating a hub that could support:
- Community programming
- Extracurricular activities
- Expanded learning opportunities outside regular school hours
Packard says the project will strengthen connections between the school and the community.
“The new school will allow students to pursue their education in their community and expand opportunities for collaboration between the school and community to enhance learning for students.”
Other School Projects in the Region
Northern Lights Public Schools currently has three infrastructure projects in the Schools Now program:
A replacement school for Vera M. Welsh Elementary School in Lac La Biche, which is currently under construction
The Cold Lake South Solution, which is in the planning stage and will address space needs at:
- Art Smith Aviation Academy
- North Star Elementary School
- Cold Lake Junior High School
- The new Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement school
No construction timeline or opening date has yet been announced for the Buffalo Lake school.
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New School Approved for Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement
A long-awaited school for Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement has officially been approved by the Alberta government, marking a major step forward for students and families in the community.
Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) confirmed the project has been included in the province’s Schools Now program, allowing the development of a new school within the settlement.
A School Finally Coming to the Settlement
Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement is currently the only Métis Settlement in Alberta without a school located in the community.
Because of that, most Kindergarten to Grade 8 students are bused 23 kilometres to Caslan School each day to attend classes.
NLPS Board Chair Karen Packard says the project is meaningful both for the school division and for the community.
“We are grateful for the support we received from Minister Jean and Minister Nicolaides in moving this project forward, and the leadership provided by Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement Council,” Packard said.
“This is a project that is very meaningful for the community and the school division, and we are thrilled that it has successfully advanced from the pre-planning stage to officially become part of the Schools Now program.”
Plans for the New School
The settlement has already identified a site for the school.
Plans are for the building to be co-located with other community services, creating a hub that could support:
- Community programming
- Extracurricular activities
- Expanded learning opportunities outside regular school hours
Packard says the project will strengthen connections between the school and the community.
“The new school will allow students to pursue their education in their community and expand opportunities for collaboration between the school and community to enhance learning for students.”
Other School Projects in the Region
Northern Lights Public Schools currently has three infrastructure projects in the Schools Now program:
A replacement school for Vera M. Welsh Elementary School in Lac La Biche, which is currently under construction
The Cold Lake South Solution, which is in the planning stage and will address space needs at:
- Art Smith Aviation Academy
- North Star Elementary School
- Cold Lake Junior High School
- The new Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement school
No construction timeline or opening date has yet been announced for the Buffalo Lake school.
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