Families in Camrose are eagerly anticipating the launch of a completely new high school this autumn; nevertheless, they have encountered a significant hurdle.
Even though the educational institution built southeast of Edmonton was finished ahead of schedule, there are currently no asphalted routes or utility services leading to the school situated at the southwestern periphery of the city.
It's challenging to locate someone willing to own up to the present circumstances.
The construction began on the almost $30 million project. Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School in 2023 . It will accommodate more than 400 students between grades nine and 12.
The Elk Island Catholic School Division intends for the school to operate normally come next September. This decision was made after careful consideration. as the topmost priority within the division's three-year capital plan from 2021.
Right now, high school students within the division attend the Grade 5-12 Mount Pleasant Our Lady Catholic School However, parents argue that a separate Catholic high school is long overdue.
In a message conveyed through a letter to parents, Superintendent Paul Corrigan of the division expressed his "profound concern" over the fact that several crucial matters pertaining to essential facilities required for operating the school have not been settled yet.
"As EICS, Alberta Infrastructure, and the City of Camrose strive for a resolution, the continued stalemate between the City and the local developer (Camgill/Southpoint) persists as a major obstacle," stated the correspondence.
The Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School in Camrose cannot be opened because of insufficient road infrastructure and service connections. Global News
This causes significant stress for parents such as Davin Wilcox, who is concerned that without roads and electricity, there will be no clear reopening date.
"I believe the most annoying aspect of this entire situation is that we have all been left uninformed about everything," stated Wilcox.
We've reached the 11th hour now, and it's like, will this place ever open?
Wilcox’s two kids will be attending the new high school starting this September. He mentioned that both the students and their parents are increasingly voicing concerns.
"How does this occur? If ensuring the correct location for servicing the school is crucial for opening it, then why wasn’t the school properly serviced? And furthermore, why hasn’t this been addressed yet?" Wilcox asked.
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Global News contacted Camgill Development Corporation but did not get a response.
The Alberta government informed Global News that the construction at the school was finished eight months before the scheduled opening date, and the province is collaborating with all stakeholders to find a resolution.
The City of Camrose and the subdivision developer haven’t reached an agreement regarding responsibility for supplying road and site services. Without proper access established, our administration can't obtain the occupancy permit, which means we won't be able to transfer the school to the relevant authority for preparations before its launch,” stated Press Secretary Callum Reid.
The Elk Island Catholic Schools stated they have been advocating on behalf of Camrose families to find a solution.
“Despite the continuous deadlock during the school’s construction, we have kept planning as if the institution will commence operations this autumn,” stated Michael Di Massa from Elk Island Catholic Schools.
We continue to approach this situation with cautious optimism, believing that an agreement will be reached among all sides, allowing the school to open its doors for the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Parents such as Wilcox are also hoping for this outcome, as they feel utterly defeated.
“I simply believe individuals feel helpless,” Wilcox stated. “So you could be as furious as you wish, yet there aren’t many pathways for someone to say, ‘Come on, let’s take action; what are we waiting for? It’s right there, within our reach, visible to all; let’s unlock it and get going.’”
The town, home to roughly 20,000 residents, also has an independent senior high school called École Camrose Composite High School, which falls under the Battle River School Division. However, parents argue that additional space and choices are necessary.
The City of Camrose informed Global News that they are currently in talks with all relevant parties and anticipate being able to provide additional comments early next week.
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