An aerial view of the current Buckland campus. (Ron Garnett)

By Nigel Maxwell

Projects

Ranch Ehrlo confirms plans for new school building

Jun 15, 2022 | 2:00 PM

While discussions are in the early stages, plans are taking shape for a new school building north of Prince Albert.

For 25 years the Ranch Ehrlo Society, a non-profit organization established 1997, has operated treatment and support programs for youth. Currently on-site, there are three group homes, two of which provide group living and clinical treatment services for the youth, and one serves as an emergency receiving unit.

According to information provided to paNOW by management, the one-room classroom on the site is located on the second floor of a riding arena located on the property, and no longer meets the needs of the students.

Klassen House in the foreground, where the admin staff currently work out of, and the arena where the current classroom is in the background. (Submitted/ Trudy Bosch)

The proposed new building will house the administrative offices as well as the two-classroom school and gymnasium. All spaces will be designed and constructed with growth and community connection in mind.

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“This proposed building aligns with our core mission at Ranch Ehrlo to provide quality preventative and restorative services for vulnerable individuals. A purpose-built school will enhance learning for our students while at the same time, the larger indoor space can function for large community events and help us better connect our youth and staff to the community of Prince Albert,” CEO Natalie Huber said in a statement.

The relocation of the current administrative offices, located in the basement of one of the group living homes, will allow the basement space to be turned into an area that will benefit the youth living in those homes.

While not finalized, the estimated cost is in the $4 million range and construction is planned to start this summer. The estimated size will be 1064 sq. m (11,452 sq. feet).

The plans were discussed this week during the Rural Municipality of Buckland council meeting. No special application or permission is required.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell