Secure construction funding for a new high school in Okotoks

The Facts

• A new high school in Okotoks has been a priority in our Capital Plan since 2015. 
• École Secondaire Foothills Composite High School/Alberta High School of Fine Arts is built to accommodate 1000 students.
  • The school currently has an enrollment of 1429 students, or approximately 130% of its intended capacity.
• School programming opportunities are limited in over-capacity schools. 
• Okotoks had a population of 31,959 in 2022, the 16th highest in the province. The population of Okotoks increased 1.34% year-over-year and increased 6.39% in the last five years. (Alberta Regional Dashboard)
  • Based on 2022 data, over 2,600 students will be entering high school within the next 5 years. We can expect this number to grow based on the growth rate above as the community attracts new families. 
• Okotoks and the County of Foothills are building a water pipeline from Calgary that will be operational in 2025. Securing a reliable water supply will increase development and population growth in the school’s catchment area.
• FSD was awarded school design funding in the 2024-2025 budget.

Proposed Solution

• The 2023 Alberta Education mandate letter from Premier Smith advises:
  • "Working to significantly increase the number of schools in the communities of greatest need."
• Construction funding for FSD to build the new high school on 32nd Street in Okotoks.