Fredericton School Secures $4.4 Million for Major Upgrades

École Sainte-Anne and the Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne in Fredericton, New Brunswick, will receive $4.4 million as part of a significant upgrade project aimed at enhancing educational facilities. This funding marks the beginning of a long-term initiative designed to address the increasing need for space due to rising student enrollment.

In a news release, Premier Susan Holt emphasized the importance of modern educational environments. “As enrolment continues to grow, we have a responsibility to ensure students have the modern, accessible learning spaces they need to succeed,” she stated. The funding is part of a broader $67.5 million project that spans a decade, with initial assessments focusing on the approximately 850 students enrolled in grades 6 to 12.

The 2026-27 capital budget allocates $4.4 million for preliminary work this year, including $1.5 million from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and $2.9 million from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. This initial investment will also facilitate ongoing accessibility upgrades and enhancements to windows and lighting.

Expanding Facilities to Meet Community Needs

The school is exploring options for a 2,700 square metre addition to its current structure or the possibility of constructing a new building. The additional space is expected to accommodate new facilities, including classrooms, multi-function areas, art and music rooms, as well as workshops, resource rooms, computer and science labs, and gymnasiums.

Claire Johnson, the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, acknowledged the school’s pivotal role in the community over the past five decades. “École Sainte-Anne is one of three school mid-life upgrades we have committed to this year. We are investing in our existing infrastructure to ensure it can continue to serve communities for generations to come,” she remarked.

The need for infrastructure improvements has been underscored by the pressures of growing enrollment, according to Michel Côté, chair of the Francophone sud school district education council. He noted that “this growth puts constant pressure on our infrastructure and requires us to think from a long-term planning perspective.”

Supporting the Francophone Community

The Francophone community in Fredericton has long advocated for investments in the Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne. Jean-Claude D’Amours, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, highlighted the significance of the upgrades. “Modernizing the infrastructure of both the centre and the school will allow our future generation of Francophone youth to grow and flourish in a dynamic, welcoming and engaged environment,” he stated.

This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing public education and supporting families in New Brunswick. As the project progresses, it aims to create a robust environment conducive to learning and community engagement, ensuring that students have access to the facilities they need to thrive.