Construction of four new high schools cost-effective, efficient
Taxpayers save over $40 million on project costs
Edmonton... The Alberta government has signed an agreement with Clark Builders to design and build four new high schools in four Alberta communities.
Design and construction work is set to begin simultaneously on each of the Calgary, Edmonton, Sherwood Park and Spruce Grove high schools. The four high schools, which will be completed for a total design and construction cost of less than $100 million, are part of the Alberta Schools Alternative Procurement II (ASAP II) project. When the doors open in 2013, the schools will add almost 5,000 new student spaces.
“At more than $40 million under what was budgeted for these four new schools, this is great news,” said Jack Hayden, Minister of Infrastructure. “Through this deal, Albertans are getting incredible value for their investment as market prices in today’s economy are stretching our infrastructure dollar much further.”
The design-build high school bundle was awarded to Clark Builders which, at $96,767,000, submitted the low bid in the tender. The tender was the second step of the Request for Proposal process that saw six proponents passing an extensive review and analysis of their design and construction-related technical submissions. Stantec Architecture will work with Clark Builders on design for the project. “
These new schools will serve to inspire student learning and provide exciting environments for learning,” said Minister of Education Dave Hancock. “Schools are the hub of thriving communities because they are meeting and gathering places for friends and neighbours. I’m pleased that we are closer to providing vibrant new learning environments in communities where students live.”
“The design-build process provides the project team with an opportunity to maximize features within the facility while providing an end product that is functional, attractive and unique for each school,” said Clark Builders president, Paul Verhesen. “We are excited to have teamed up with Stantec and to be involved in the process, from design to successful project turn over, of these superb learning facilities for Alberta’s students.”
ASAP II also includes 10 elementary and middle schools being constructed through a public-private partnership (P3). The successful proponent for the P3 bundle is expected to be named next spring and the schools are scheduled to open by September 2012.
All 14 ASAP II schools will be built to Alberta’s provincial standards. Construction will also meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, which will result in greater energy efficiency and provide a healthier school environment for students and staff through improved air quality and the use of natural light.
Visit education.alberta.ca/asapii for more information on Alberta’s ASAP II new schools project.
The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.
ASAP II new high schools and successful proponent details
New high schools for Edmonton Capital and Calgary regions|
School Board |
Community/School (Grade Structure) | Student Capacity |
| Calgary Board of Education | Northwest Senior High School (10-12) | 1,500 |
| Edmonton Catholic Separate School District | Terwillegar High School (10-12) | 750 |
| Elk Island Catholic Separate School Region | High School (9-12) (Sherwood Park) | 1,400 |
| Evergreen Catholic Separate Regional Division | Spruce Grove Regional H.S. (9-12) | 1,100 |
About Clark Builders
Clark Builders was selected to design and build four new high schools in Calgary, Edmonton, Sherwood Park and Spruce Grove as part of the Alberta Schools Alternative Procurement II (ASAP II) project. With more than 35 years construction experience, Clark Builders is headquartered in Edmonton with offices in Calgary and Yellowknife. Recently Clark Builders was recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies.
Clark Builders has secured Stantec Architecture, a North American design firm with its head office also in Edmonton, as design lead for the high school project.
