BGSD set to debut new Calmar Collegiate School

CALMAR -- The new Calmar Collegiate School is set for its grand opening.

Work on the new 5,000 sq. ft. facility has been underway since the spring of 2024 after provincial funding was secured by the Black Gold School Division. Originally, the new building was expected to be completed in Q2 2025, however, construction delays pushed back its completion until the end of the year. 

"We had delays with construction -- we were waiting for walls to come from overseas that took a while longer to get here," said Michael Borgfjord, BGSD Superintendent of Schools. "We also had some other challenges with contract work getting completed."

The new collegiate school will offer specialized programming in particular fields and provide all students with a clear pathway into post-secondary education and careers in their chosen field. For the first year of its operations, the focus of trades programming will be on carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.

"We're going to be able to provide skilled-trades opportunities for local kids in the area," said Borgfjord. "This will let them work towards their level one apprenticeship, and hopefully they move on to levels two and three."

These three trades were outlined by the Alberta Government in their Occupational Outlook 2021-2030 as areas that are in particular demand in the Edmonton metro region. In addition, students who choose not to pursue the skilled trades pathway can take courses in business, finance, management, and entrepreneurship; fine arts and design studies; sports; technology, and more.

"One of the things this does is it allows our rural students to participate and not have to leave and go to another school somewhere else to find these opportunities," said Borgfjord. "I think our connections with the local trade organizations and industry are going to create opportunities for our young people."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the BGSD will take place at the new facility on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 2:00 p.m.