New Brunswick reveals plan to replace École Saint-Henri in Moncton

New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Friday, July 3, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The New Brunswick government announced Friday they are building a new kindergarten-to-Grade 5 school to replace École Saint-Henri in Moncton.

According to a news release, a recent assessment determined the mid-life upgrade and addition planned for the school would be costlier and take longer than a new build.

“In the case of École Saint-Henri, a new school just makes more sense. It can be a modern, energy-efficient building that reflects the last six decades of changes in teaching and learning, and provides a comfortable, reliable place for children to learn, play and thrive,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson in the release.

École Saint-Henri was built in 1965. Enrolment at the school has increased from 314 students in 2021 to 497 students as of Oct. 1, 2025, a 58 per cent increase over four years.

“The construction of a new Saint-Henri school marks a very positive turning point for this school community,” said Michel Côté, chair of the Francophone sud school district education council in the release. “This project will provide our students with a learning environment that aligns with their reality, needs and potential, while strengthening the vitality of a rich, diverse and forward-looking francophone environment. This is extremely encouraging news for families and staff, and, most importantly, for students.”

The project had $50.1 million approved for a mid-life upgrade and modernization as part of the 2024-25 capital budget, says the release. The project began with an assessment of the school, which found the upgrades would have required five-to-six years of work, which would be more complex, expensive and disruptive than building a new school.

The new school will be larger and have space for a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms and project areas, a music room, a performing arts space, resource rooms and support spaces.

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