Ground has been broken on a new elementary school in west Lethbridge, with a special blessing and sod-turning marking the start of construction on Wednesday.
The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division says the new kindergarten to grade six school will serve about 400 students in the Crossings neighbourhood on Caledonia Boulevard West.
Officials say this facility will help address issues of overcrowding at existing schools in the area, especially as the population continues to grow in the west end of Lethbridge.
“Many of our west side schools are over capacity or nearing it. This project will make a tremendous difference,” says division board chair Dr. Carmen Mombourquette.
“This new school is designed to be a place of family, learning, and faith—hallmarks of Catholic education.”
At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, the division reported a 4.35 per cent jump in enrolment. Over 5,400 students are currently enrolled at schools across the division.
The new school, which has yet to be named, has been designed with future portable additions in mind.
“This day has been joyful,” Superintendent Chantel Axani said at the ceremony.
“It reflects our commitment to Catholic education, to meeting the needs of our growing city, and to building a space where students can learn, belong, and thrive.”
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The school is anticipated to open in August 2026, with the division planning to finalize its new boundaries to incorporate the new facility by this June.
The construction project is estimated to cost $18 million, and students will get their playtime at the existing Crossings playground and green space.
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