Alberta Budget 2026 will fund 16 new school projects, build on dozens of others

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced details of 16 new school projects in the province's small cities and rural areas, part of an investment in Budget 2026.

The Alberta government says smaller cities and rural areas will see the development of 16 new school projects as part of Budget 2026.

The new projects join the 63 previously announced projects that will also be supported through Budget 2026.

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Officials say the new developments will provide space for approximately 200,000 students.

“Every student deserves the best education we can give them, no matter where they live,” said Premier Danielle Smith in a news release.

“That’s why Budget 2026 is making targeted investments to plan and design schools in the communities that need them most, including smaller cities and rural areas.”

The new school projects, which will create or renovate more than 9,800 student spaces, are as follows:

The provincial government says these new projects will help address crowded classrooms, after the province saw around 80,000 students enrolling in Alberta schools in just three years.

All of the new school projects are in Alberta’s fastest growing communities.

“Every step toward opening a new school in Rocky View Schools is a cause for celebration and an investment in the success and well-being of students, employees and communities,” said Fiona Gilbert, chair of Rocky View Schools.

“This highly anticipated new high school in Cochrane will provide much-needed space relief in a community that has experienced years of rapid enrolment growth. We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta to open new schools for learning as quickly as possible.”

If approved, Budget 2026 will invest $44 million in the above school projects, part of the government’s $8.6 billion Schools Now program.