New School Planning Update for St. Alphonsus and St. Gerard Families
March 24, 2026
The Government of Alberta has approved planning for a new Catholic Kindergarten to Grade 9 school that will serve both the St. Alphonsus and St. Gerard communities. The school will be built at the St. Alphonsus site and is part of long-term planning for the 118 Avenue West area.
Planning approval allows the Division to begin early preparation work. It does not mean construction is starting, and there are no changes for students or families at this time.
What This Means Right Now
There are no immediate changes for students, families, or staff.
- Students will continue attending their current schools.
- St. Alphonsus and St. Gerard remain open, supported, and cared for.
- Regular maintenance, repairs, and safety measures continue at both schools.
About the New Catholic K-9 School
A new Catholic elementary and junior high school would be built on the site of the current St. Alphonsus at 116 Avenue & 81 Street NW, featuring modern teaching and learning spaces designed for how students learn today, improved accessibility, and shared spaces for learning and community. The future school will bring the St. Alphonsus and St. Gerard communities together in a welcoming, purpose-built environment that supports learning, connection, and a strong sense of belonging, serving families for generations.
Our Division has identified the need for a capital project at this site for more than 25 years through Edmonton Catholic Schools’ Capital Plan. St. Gerard was added to the solution project in March 2025.
Both St. Alphonsus and St. Gerard are more than 70 years old and were designed for a different time. Over the years, the buildings have required ongoing repairs and updates, and their layouts no longer fully support today’s learning needs or accessibility expectations.
Timeline
This is a long-term project. The school received planning approval on March 9, 2026. The Minister of Education and Childcare has indicated that, from planning to opening, a school project like this one typically takes four to five years. Timelines can vary by project.
Construction will not begin right away, as only planning has been approved at this stage. As the project advances and additional approvals are received, the Division will have a clearer understanding of timelines and will communicate updates well in advance of any future changes.
Next Steps
With planning approval in place, the Division will begin preliminary work, including design and site studies. As planning continues:
- Families will receive updates at key milestones.
- There will be opportunities to ask questions and share feedback.
- Information will be shared clearly and well ahead of any future changes.
Questions
If you have questions, please contact your school or email engagement@ecsd.net.
Communication with School Communities
Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to keeping families informed as planning for a future replacement school continues. Below is a summary of how information has been shared with the St. Gerard and St. Alphonsus communities to date, along with key documents families can review.
March 2026 Letters to School Communities
Families at St. Gerard and St. Alphonsus have received letters outlining the province’s planning approval for a future school, what this approval means, and what families can expect next.
- Letter to St. Gerard Families – March 2026 (PDF)
- Letter to St. Alphonsus Families – March 2026 (PDF)
Capital Planning Background
The need for a future school serving the St. Gerard and St. Alphonsus communities has been identified through Edmonton Catholic Schools’ Capital Plan.
The Capital Plan outlines the Division’s long‑term school facility priorities and is submitted annually to Alberta Education and Childcare.