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1. Why is the City planning for the new schools now? Is there a need for two high schools?

Beaumont has a pressing need for new high school space. Black Gold School Division and St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division #38 are ready to build new high schools to accommodate a combined projected increase of up to 2,000 learners within the city limits. After considering a few options, the land south of the West Recreation site was chosen because it could be ready for school construction the soonest. 

2. Why did the City pick this site for the new schools? Are there other locations that could be considered?

In 2017, the City of Beaumont expanded its boundary to include 21 quarter sections of land to accommodate a growing population and new opportunities for community amenities and business development.

The two schools can be accommodated on a joint school site, sized approximately 12 hectares (or 30 acres) in what will be the Élan 2 Neighbourhood Structure Plan (NSP) area. Other city-owned land has been explored; however, to accommodate the needs of the school boards, the Élan 2 neighbourhood offered the best solution.

3. Why do the two schools need to be on the same parcel of land?

The City of Beaumont is committed to mapping out and planning for facilities and services to support a sustainable, vibrant, and growing community. Having both schools on the same site results in some efficiencies and will use less land.

4. What are the plans for access to the schools?

Township Road 505 (50 Avenue) will change from a rural road to an urban road with curbs and gutters. This road will connect to a new north-south access road to the joint school site. As the rest of the Élan 2 neighbourhood is built in the future, more roads, sidewalks, and trails will be added to the area connecting the joint school site to the rest of the community.

5. What will happen to the new baseball diamonds at the West Recreation Site on Township Road 505?

The ball diamonds are not affected by the plan for the school. The project team modified the road alignment to allow the ball diamonds to remain in use. Future development on the location of the diamonds is not anticipated for many years when other facilities will be available. This is why the ball diamonds are not illustrated in the diagram.

6. What will happen to the new dog park at the West Recreation Site on Township Road 505?

In the proposed plan, the dog park will be relocated to accommodate the new access road to the joint school sites. The City of Beaumont appreciates our furry friends and the lively community of dog park users. While the City is currently exploring a few new locations, it is committed to making the transition to a new location as seamless as possible and will be fiscally responsible by reusing existing materials from the dog park (i.e., fencing, benches, fixtures, etc.). More information about the new location(s) will be shared as it becomes available.

7. The land identified in the plans has drainage issues and there is a risk of flooding; how will this project address the swamp and water issues?

In the proposed Élan 2 NSP, there are two stormwater management facilities planned to help with excess water in the area. Phase 1 of Élan 2 NSP, which includes the joint school site, includes a stormwater management pond. This pond will be added south of the West Recreation Site and is an important part of development.

8. What are construction timelines for the school site and access to the school site?

The Élan 2 NSP and redistricting of the school site is required before construction can begin. The servicing of the school site is anticipated to be done in 2025. Pending funding approval from the Government of Alberta, the school boards are hopeful design work can take place concurrently to allow school construction to begin shortly after servicing is complete. 

9. What is a Neighbourhood Structure Plan?

As part of the development process, the City is preparing a new Neighbourhood Structure Plan along with redistricting and subdivision applications. A Neighbourhood Structure Plan establishes the general land use, transportation, and servicing framework to guide development in a new neighbourhood.