There is apprehension among some in Saint John’s south-central peninsula after the government announced funding for a new K-8 school.
The Higgs government announced Wednesday that $2.2 million has been set aside in the 2022-23 capital budget to acquire land for the new school.
Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon said the city’s future is taking shape with this announcement.
“As a city, Saint John is positioned for growth, and as a community, we are ready to move through the concept stage for the new school, to its actual construction,” Reardon said in a news release.
“Planning for this school has been underway for the past two years, and we welcome the investment from the province with ready and open arms.”
With the province seeing its highest gains from inter-provincial migration in 45 years, Paulette Hicks, CEO, Envision Saint John said schools are important to attract new residents.
“When people move to the community, or choose communities, and stay in a community, a school is a key asset, so what the community has designed here is a game-changer for the uptown area,” said Hicks.
Coun. David Hickey said it is a positive first step to see money set aside for the school, but noted the initial commitment from the government also included design allocations.
“I have trepidation in that because the history we’ve seen here says there’s still no commitment for a new school, we’re not seeing the design proposal being put forward, and we’re not seeing the future rollout,” he said.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy did not provide any details Wednesday about where the new school will be located in the south-central peninsula or when exactly it will be built.
A spokesperson for the department did not offer any firm details either and said the minister was unavailable for an interview.
“The department is in the preliminary stages of planning. Details regarding costs and timelines will be announced as planning progresses,” Danielle Elliott said in an email.
Hickey added the $2.2-million figure is just a “small drop in the bucket compared to what is necessary for this project in the long-term, especially with building costs.”
“As well, the land acquisition is a small piece and will be run by the city, and it isn’t new information to us,” continued Hickey.
A Central Peninsula Community School Task Force was formed in 2017 to help build support for the project within the community. It represents the needs of the community, the city, and the school district.
With files from Brad Perry.
