The new $21.3-million facility, set to open for the 2014-15 school year, will include exposed wood beams, decorative rock and distinct interior colours for each of the schools—Jasper Junior/Senior High School and Ecole Desrochers. There will be another colour used for shared spaces.
The two schools will share the gymnasium, drama room, atrium, library, home economics lab and a few other multipurpose rooms.
The provincial government announced in May 2011 that Jasper would be one of 35 communities to receive a renovation or a new school.
The following month, a plebiscite was held, asking the community’s permission to swap the dog park land on Bonhomme Street for the current high school site. The land transfer was passed with 60 per cent of voters in favour of the exchange.
The dog park—now the school lands—was closed to the public Aug. 24 and on Sept. 14 a golden shovel was thrust into the ground signifying the beginning of construction.
“It will obviously get more exciting once the walls start [going up],” said Nikki Gilks, communications officer for Grande Yellowhead Public School Division.
To see the interior and exterior colours that were chosen by parents, staff and community members, visit and click “Jasper Joint School Facility” in the lefthand column.
