Budget 2025

Alberta’s population is growing at an unprecedented pace, and that means more students are filling classrooms across the province. To keep up with this rising enrolment, Alberta’s government is making the largest-ever investment in school construction — an $8.6 billion commitment to build up to 90 new schools, renovate 24 existing schools, and provide additional modular classrooms. This bold plan will create more than 200,000 new student spaces over the next seven years, ensuring Alberta’s fastest-growing communities have the schools they need.
A key part of this strategy is accelerating school construction where it is needed most. As a result of this new funding approach, 11 previously announced school projects are moving directly from the design phase to full construction funding. These projects will add more than 12,000 new student spaces, helping to relieve pressure in high-growth communities.
I am incredibly proud to announce that the Rocky View Public K-9 School in Dawson is one of the 11 schools benefiting from this initiative. In addition, we’ve secured design funding for a new Rocky View Public High School in Chelsea — two significant victories for our constituency. This is in addition to the Catholic K-9 School in Dawson, which was funded in Budget 2024 and will begin construction this year. As a passionate advocate for our students and educational infrastructure, I have been relentless in pushing for these vital investments. These new schools will not only enhance educational opportunities but will also serve as pillars of growth for our community.
Our commitment to building stronger communities extends beyond the classroom. We are also investing in key infrastructure that will support the vibrancy and economic growth of our region.
I am so excited to share a major milestone for our constituency: a $5 million investment in the Strathmore and Area Agricultural Society for the construction of the Western Events and Cultural Centre (WECC) in Strathmore, under the Arts, Sports and Recreation Program. This is a project I have tirelessly championed for over a year, advocating on its behalf at every level of government. I’ve worked closely with the Ag Society, arranged meetings with Ministers and the Premier, and engaged with key decision-makers to ensure this remarkable initiative received the attention it deserved.
Without question, this funding is the result of dedicated advocacy and a commitment to seeing it through. WECC will be a transformative asset for Strathmore and Wheatland County, benefiting generations of Albertans. The Centre will feature a 2,000-seat Rodeo and Equine arena, a 300-seat Culture & Events Space, a Practical Ranching School, a Year-Round Rodeo Academy, and a state-of-the-art Horse Hotel with up to 300 stalls, among other world-class amenities. This is a project we can all be proud of. Learn more about WECC here: https://www.westerncentre.ca/
As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions at Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca