Carlyle school project one of many put on hold by provincial government

Sask. provincial budget announces major school plans, but some previously promised construction is on hold due to funding limits. Wayne Mantyka reports.

The provincial government has put a new school project in Carlyle on hold, according to an update from the Town of Carlyle on Friday.

The Carlyle school, part of the Southeast Cornerstone School Division No. 209, is among several projects being paused as the province works to manage rising construction costs.

“They won’t be advancing as quickly as initially planned, but that doesn’t mean that the projects are in jeopardy. All these projects are going to be completed,” said Education Minister Everett Hindley.

“All projects end up costing more, so that is part of it. You see some of the other things that are happening around the world these days with respect to tariffs, rising oil prices — that all has an impact.”

New schools in Saskatchewan are being built at an accelerated pace to meet growing demand, with 20 projects in various planning stages and three more announced in this week’s provincial budget. However, the province now says some previously announced construction projects will be temporarily delayed.

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According to the Town of Carlyle, projects are being sequenced to prioritize completion within budget constraints.

“Some projects will be paused for the 2026-27 budget year to allow that sequencing. Carlyle is one of those builds that has been paused,” the update read.

Keith Keating, director of education with the South East Cornerstone School Division, says the delay is disappointing but remains hopeful the project will proceed.

“A little frustrating to have that project put on pause for the year, I know from both the community and the division perspective. We were hoping to get approval to proceed to tender, but we are thankful the project remains approved. I know the province has indicated a commitment to complete that school build.”

The government says rising construction costs are driving the need to stage projects. Other projects that could be affected include major renovations at Regina’s Campbell Collegiate and a joint-use school in the city’s southeast.

The Saskatchewan School Boards Association says it is still waiting for a final list of impacted projects.

“Of course, our members and my organization would love to see construction progress faster within the province, but the reality over the last several years, due to many factors, including a lack of skilled trades, is that we’ve had some challenges,” said president Shawn Davidson.

Meanwhile, the Opposition NDP is questioning why the province announced additional school builds in this week’s budget amid ongoing delays.

“Things aren’t going to get cheaper if they were concerned about escalating construction costs,” said NDP MLA Alena Young.

The government says paused capital projects could extend beyond schools, with a complete list still being compiled.