Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Major Milestone for New K-9 Catholic School in Dawson’s Landing

Chestermere reached an important milestone this week as the city, in partnership with the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) and the provincial government, officially broke ground on a new K-9 Catholic school in the Dawson’s Landing area. The sod-turning ceremony, held on June 10, 2025, brought together local students, families, educators, and dignitaries to celebrate the start of a major addition to Chestermere’s educational infrastructure.
The event began with a land acknowledgment from Dr. Bryan Szumlas, Chief Superintendent of CCSD, who recognized the land as part of Treaty 7 territory. His remarks underscored the importance of reconciliation and the shared responsibility of building positive relationships with Indigenous communities. The event’s cultural significance was further highlighted by a musical performance from the Our Lady of Wisdom School Choir, led by Andrew Leal, with a touching rendition of “O Canada” and other uplifting songs. Father James Hagel from St. Gabriel Parish offered blessings, bringing a sense of community and unity to the occasion.
In attendance were Mayor Shannon Dean, members of Chestermere’s City Council, and MLA Chantelle de Jonge, all of whom expressed their excitement for the new school and its future impact on the growing community. In her remarks, Mayor Dean emphasized the city’s dedication to supporting the development of educational facilities and the proactive steps the City Council has taken to ensure that school planning is prioritized.
“We’re committed to making sure that school sites are ready for the future,” Mayor Dean said. “As part of our Municipal Development Plan (MDP) updates, we’ve made changes so that school planning happens earlier in the development process. This ensures that as Chestermere grows, we can continue to provide essential resources for our residents, especially our students.”
The new K-9 Catholic school is expected to be a vital part of Chestermere’s educational landscape, providing much-needed classroom space for a growing student population. The facility will be built with sustainability in mind, meeting LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. It will feature energy-efficient LED lighting, water-saving systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, helping to ensure that the school meets both the educational needs of the community and the city’s environmental goals.
The construction of the school will follow a public-private partnership (P3) model, with EllisDon, a prominent contractor, awarded the design, build, finance, and maintenance contract. This initiative is part of a larger provincial effort to build six new schools across Alberta. The Chestermere project is expected to open its doors within 18 to 24 months, depending on construction progress.
As the project moves forward, details regarding the official name of the school and its attendance boundaries will be provided through the school board’s public engagement processes. Chestermere residents can stay informed by following updates from the Calgary Catholic School District and the city’s website.
This new school is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the City of Chestermere, the Calgary Catholic School District, and the provincial government to ensure that educational facilities meet the needs of the community as it continues to grow. With construction now underway, Chestermere is taking a significant step towards building a more sustainable and accessible future for its students and families.