Construction is complete on five public-private partnership (P3) high schools in Alberta, making room for more than 6,900 students.
Through this latest P3 build, Alberta saved $114.5 million to deliver these the high schools located in Blackfalds, Langdon, Leduc and two in Edmonton.
The savings are based on the cost compared to deliver the high schools using methods other than the P3 model. Concert-Bird Partners was awarded the contract for the P3 bundle in 2021.
“We are proud of the strong, collaborative partnership between Concert-Bird Partners and the Government of Alberta, which enabled the on-time, on-budget delivery of these five high schools. Their successful completion underscores the P3 model’s effectiveness in delivering critical public infrastructure, creating vibrant, welcoming environments where students thrive academically and socially,” said Ian Podmore, group head, development and construction, concert infrastructure and project lead, Concert-Bird Partners.
The P3 bundle of five high schools includes:
- Iron Ridge Secondary Campus in Blackfalds, Wolf Creek Public Schools
- Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack School in Edmonton, Edmonton Public Schools
- Father Michael McCaffery Catholic High School in Edmonton, Edmonton Catholic Schools
- Horseshoe Crossing High School in Langdon, Rocky View Schools
- Ohpaho Secondary School in Leduc, Black Gold School Division.
Procurement is underway to deliver another bundle of seven new Alberta schools using P3 located in Airdrie, Blackfalds, Calgary, Chestermere, Okotoks and two in Edmonton.
A shortlist of two proponents, qualifying from the Request for Qualifications stage (closed April 29), have been invited to participate in the Request for Proposals stage and a contract with the successful proponent is anticipated to be in place in early 2025, with construction beginning by that summer.
