The Peace Wapiti Public School District (PWPSD) Board has identified the need for two new schools and a modernization project in PWPSD’s 2021-2024 Capital Plan.  

The original list of urgent priorities included a replacement K-8 Harry Balfour School to address the school’s continuing upward trend in enrollment. Education Minister Adriana LaGrange personally confirmed full funding for this school during her visit to PWPSD Central Office on March 9.   

The confirmation of full funding also shifts the replacement Peace Wapiti Academy (PWA) from second place to the top of the Board's Capital Plan priorities list. With the existing PWA facility at 100 per cent capacity, securing a replacement high school is necessary to address rapid student population growth in a large attendance area that encompasses five feeder schools – Bezanson, Penson, Clairmont Community, Whispering Ridge Community, and Harry Balfour.  

Two other projects are listed as important priorities.   

A K-8 school, located in the Clairmont area will relieve enrollment pressure that is building in the Clairmont area due to continued population growth in the communities and the surrounding rural areas. A new school would also insulate Clairmont Community School from projected enrollment increases. Projections indicate the school will continue to grow by 3.5 per cent annually over the next five years.   

Modernization of the aging Bonanza School will ensure the facility continues to support the consistent enrollment experienced in past years.