Construction on new westside elementary school to begin this summer

When classes begin for the 2025/2026 school year, elementary students living in the Garry Station area are expected to be learning inside a brand-new building.
This summer, work will begin on a new 900-student school on the westside for students in Kindergarten to Grade 5. It will be the Division’s first two-story elementary build since the 1950s, when Senator Buchanan Elementary School and Westminster Elementary School were both constructed.
The Alberta government has contracted design-build team Ward Bros. Construction Ltd. to construct the school, while FWBA Architects will lead the design team.
“We are very confident in the work of these two companies,” said Daniel Heaton, Director of Facility Services for Lethbridge School Division. “We are very pleased to once again work closely with Ward Bros. and FWBA on another exciting school build for our city.”
Ward Bros. led the modernization projects for Gilbert Paterson Middle School and also Wilson Middle School, while FWBA’s recent work with the Division includes designs for Coalbanks Elementary School, Dr. Robert Plaxton Elementary School, Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School and Wilson Middle School.
“These companies have proven track records of delivering outstanding work for Lethbridge School Division,” said Heaton.
The new elementary school in the Garry Station area will feature a 6,000 square metre structure, built for 900 students. When opened, the school will house approximately 600 students. It has been designed to take on 12 modular classrooms, some of which will be of the two-story variety.
“The school site was originally designed to house a 600-student school,” said Heaton, who spoke about the need for a two-story facility. “The Division felt strongly a 900-student school was needed, to ensure we account for future population growth in the area.”
“This is a top priority project for Lethbridge students as well as the community and Alberta’s government is pleased to be funding this much-needed new school,” added Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Infrastructure. “Our priority is to ensure all Alberta students have access to the top-quality school facilities they need to learn and thrive.”
The school will also feature a large gymnasium, thanks to support from the City of Lethbridge, which provided additional funding to upsize the gym.
Heaton added the large student drop-off zone will be another key feature for the school.
Construction on the school, which has yet to be named, is expected to begin this summer, once the city has approved the building permit. The Division is planning a groundbreaking ceremony in June.
Darren Boras, Chief Financial Officer for Ward Bros., said the company is looking forward to getting to work on the elementary school.
“Ward Bros. has worked with Lethbridge School Division on several complex modernization projects, as well as the construction of Chinook High School,” he said. “Together with FWBA Architects, we have completed several major school projects throughout southern Alberta, and our team is excited to work together again on the Garry Station Elementary K-5 School. This is an important project for both Lethbridge School Division and the growing community of west Lethbridge.”