Classrooms ready in flood-hit communities

August 26, 2013 photo of construction at Elbow Park School

The Province of Alberta says that through a lot of effort, officials have managed to accommodate the majority of students of schools impacted by flooding in June.

According to a release, of the more than 80 schools impacted by June’s flooding, just three remain closed.

Modular classrooms are available for about 900 students.

“I want to thank every school board, student, teacher and parent for their patience, understanding and cooperation as we worked to have the classrooms completed. I know that everyone with a hand on these projects has put their heart and soul into getting the modular classrooms ready,” Jeff Johnson, Alberta’s Education Minister, said.

700 students are being housed in 42 modular classrooms in High River while an additional 12 classrooms are being prepared for students in Calgary.

The Calgary Board of Education says they are working with parents on an occupancy plan for an estimated 200 students.

When the modular classrooms are no longer needed in High River and Calgary, they will be redeployed elsewhere in Alberta to communities in need of classroom space.

Restoration of High River’s Holy Spirit Academy and Notre Dame Collegiate is underway.

Planning on how to rebuild Calgary’s Elbow Park School is still in the initial stages.