$1.5M spent to date on Maryland Park School expansion

The Manitoba government has spent more than $1.5 million so far on an expansion at Maryland Park School that will see 14 new classrooms added next year.

The figure reflects spending to date, with the total cost of the project exceeding that amount, Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt told the Sun on Tuesday.

While the province did not disclose the final budget for the project, Schmidt said construction remains on time and on budget.

“Because of procurement processes, we are not allowed to share the total project cost; that information is confidential,” Schmidt said.

“The project is about one-third complete, and we are really excited to get those 14 new classrooms open and ready to serve the students in Brandon by September of 2026.”

The school expansion is part of a broader commitment to the Brandon community, she said.

“Brandon is a growing and exciting part of our province, and we’re really excited about these investments to support that growth and the community.”

The expansion is expected to increase the school’s capacity and address the overcrowding challenge at the school, Brandon School Division secretary-treasurer Denis Labossiere told the Sun.

“The Division is appreciative of the Manitoba government’s capital investments in our schools,” he said in an email. “The current enrolment at Maryland Park is 658 students, and the 14-classroom addition will increase the school’s capacity to 900 students.”

The addition, he said, will also allow the school to utilize some of the non-classroom spaces designed for human ecology, applied technology and band, as these spaces are currently used as classrooms.

“Construction of the addition started in May 2025 and is estimated to be completed in time for school startup in September 2026.”

The investment is part of the nearly $200 million the government earmarked for school capital projects across the province in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Schmidt said the funding reinforces the NDP government’s commitment to ensuring that students across the province have access to safe, modern and comfortable learning environments.

“Our government is delivering on our promise to put students first because we know that when students feel safe, supported and inspired, they thrive,” she said. “Every student deserves to learn in a space that is safe, well-maintained and designed to support their success.”

The $200-million package includes a wide range of projects across the province, from new builds to critical upgrades, the province said in a news release Monday.

The funding includes $23 million toward improving heating and ventilation systems, $22 million for roof replacements and structural improvements, $4 million for accessibility enhancements — such as elevators, ramps and hygiene rooms — and $8 million to address foundation and structural issues. Another $59 million will be spent on additions and renovations, while $79 million will support the construction of eight new schools.

“This is about more than bricks and mortar,” Schmidt said. “Whether it’s a new classroom, a repaired roof or an accessible elevator, every upgrade makes a difference.”

In addition to creating better learning environments, the government said the projects would stimulate local economies by creating construction jobs and supporting Manitoba-based contractors and suppliers.

“These projects strengthen not only our schools but also our communities,” Schmidt said. “They ensure students across the province have the resources they need today, while building lasting infrastructure for the future.”

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