June 9, 2021 -- From a Government of Saskatchewan news release.
Construction Underway At Future Site Of New Joint-Use École St. Pius X And Argyle Elementary Schools In Regina
Shovels are in the ground at the future site of the new joint-use facility replacing Argyle School and École St. Pius X elementary schools. The Saskatchewan company Quorex Construction Services Ltd. has been awarded the contract to build the facility and has already begun digging the foundation of the 11,050 square metre building – bigger than a CFL football field.
“It is very exciting to see this project take another step forward in its development,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. “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 Government of Saskatchewan is investing $47 million in the facility, which is being built at the current site of Argyle School. Both Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools will open new schools that can accommodate 400 students. Both schools will be built to expand their capacity to 500 students through the addition of relocatable classrooms.
“Beginning construction is an important milestone for a project of this scale,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Jim Reiter said. “This state-of-the-art facility will have a positive impact on students in Regina for generations.”
Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023 and should be ready to welcome students for the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. The design features a two-storey structure for Regina Public Schools’ Argyle School and a three-storey side for Regina Catholic Schools’ St. Pius X School. This unique design provides a distinct architectural personality for each school. The two new elementary 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-gym 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,” Regina Board of Education Chairperson Adam Hicks said. “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 said. "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."
Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $1.9 billion towards school infrastructure projects. This includes 57 new or replacement schools as well as 28 major renovations.
