CALGARY – Alberta’s government says Budget 2026 is prioritizing education infrastructure in the province’s fastest-growing communities, with 14 new school projects announced for Calgary.
The latest investment builds on 31 previously approved school projects already underway in the city, as the province responds to significant enrolment growth and increasing classroom pressures.
Over the past three years, Alberta’s student population has grown by approximately 80,000 students. Provincial officials say the surge has required accelerated construction timelines and targeted planning in urban centres experiencing the highest demand.
What the New Projects Include
The 14 Calgary projects announced under Budget 2026 consist of:
- 11 new schools
- One school addition
- One replacement school
- An expansion of Alberta Classical Academy’s Currie Campus
The expansion of Alberta Classical Academy will add capacity to the public charter system and increase educational choice for families.
Together, the projects are expected to create or renovate more than 12,300 student spaces in Calgary.
Across Alberta, Budget 2026 funds a total of 40 new school capital projects, bringing the province-wide total of active school projects to 161.
Long-Term Education Infrastructure Plan
Provincial officials say the Calgary projects are part of a broader $8.6-billion generational investment aimed at building and modernizing more than 100 schools throughout Alberta. The long-term plan is expected to create over 200,000 student spaces once complete.
Finance Minister Nate Horner said the budget focuses on targeted investments in education, health care and economic growth, with school construction identified as a key priority to ensure students have access to quality learning environments.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides noted that the province is attempting to move at an accelerated pace after what he described as unprecedented enrolment growth. He said the government is concentrating on communities where school capacity pressures are most acute.
Infrastructure Minister Martin Long added that the expansion of school capital projects will also support Alberta’s construction sector by creating jobs while delivering updated facilities for students.
Support from Calgary Catholic School District
The Calgary Catholic School District welcomed the announcement, particularly new schools planned for Cityscape, Mahogany and Ambleton. The district, which serves more than 64,000 students, has faced capacity challenges in several growing neighbourhoods.
District officials said continued investment in school infrastructure will help ensure families can access Catholic education within their communities as Calgary expands.
More Announcements to Come
The province confirmed that additional details about school projects in Edmonton and other regions will be released in the coming days.
With Calgary among Canada’s fastest-growing urban centres, provincial leaders say the focus remains on ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with population growth — particularly in classrooms where rising enrolment has intensified pressure on space and resources.
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