The Rocky View Schools (RVS) Board of Trustees was joined this morning by Minister of Education, Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Infrastructure, Pete Guthrie as well as other dignitaries, project partners and guests to celebrate breaking ground on a long-awaited expansion and renovation to Bow Valley High School in Cochrane.

“It is an exciting day for the Board of Trustees as we break ground on the expansion of Bow Valley High School,” said Board Chair, Fiona Gilbert. “Ensuring students have adequate and modernized space in which to learn has a positive impact on student success and overall school experience. We are thrilled the project to enhance this wonderful school has begun and know students will soon benefit greatly from the additional and expanded spaces.”

Once completed, the expansion and renovation will add 485 student spaces to the core building. The expanded and updated gym space, learning commons and other common area spaces will ensure students have a positive learning experience. The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026.

“Investing in schools is an investment in students, communities and the future of our province,” said Minister of Education, Demetrios Nicolaides. “We are proud to support the expansion of the Bow Valley High School so that students from Cochrane for generations to come can continue to receive a world-class education in their home community.”

“I look forward to working with my ministry and industry partners to build the schools Albertans need while ensuring that each project is as unique as the students who use them,” said Minister of Infrastructure, Peter Guthrie. “Work on the Bow Valley High School Expansion is already underway, and I can’t wait to see the finished project. As communities continue to grow, our government is meeting demands for spaces faster and more efficiently, all while creating jobs and boosting our local and provincial economies.”

Bow Valley High School opened in 2001 with space for 700 students. Since then, the school’s capacity has increased to 920 through the addition of modular classroom units. Current enrolment at the school is 986 students. The Government of Alberta approved funding for the expansion and renovation of the high school in March 2022. Work on the school began in June 2024 and will be completed in phases over the next two years.

Cochrane’s rapid growth continues to increase student enrolment across RVS’ schools. Cochrane has experienced a five-year growth rate of 34.31 per cent since 2019, one of the highest in Alberta. To help address this growth, the provincial government approved a new school in Rivercrest in Budget 2024, which RVS is hopeful will open in fall 2028.

“This expansion has been long-awaited by students and staff at Bow Valley High School,” said Superintendent of Schools, Greg Luterbach. “This project will provide much-needed space for our high school students in Cochrane, which is critical for their ability to learn. We are excited to see this project underway and look forward to seeing it in its completed state.”

RVS is committed to keeping students and staff safe and minimizing disruptions to learning while construction is underway. Further details about the project are available on BVHS’ website.

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Bow Valley High School Expansion Groundbreaking

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