The Bow Valley High School expansion project is on track for 2026 completion.
The expansion and modernization of the Cochrane high school progresses, adding critical instructional space as well as an enlarged and improved gym, learning commons and music room.
“Teaching and learning through construction has its challenges, but our staff and students are proving to be up to that challenge,” said Principal Shane Dempster.
“Seeing the new parts of the building begin to take shape is helping to build excitement and we are all looking forward to watching as construction moves on to the next phase.”
The multi-phase project began in spring 2024 and is on pace to move into Phase Two early next month, which includes construction of the new learning commons and courtyard.
The project is expected to be completed by summer 2026, and – along with the modular classrooms already on the site – will add approximately 500 new student spaces to the school, bringing the capacity to 1,425 students. These spaces are much needed in the community as Cochrane’s high school population has increased approximately 60 per cent since BVHS opened in 2001 and will continue to grow in the coming years.
“Rocky View Schools (RVS) appreciates the government’s recognition of our need for additional student spaces in Cochrane to mitigate the very real impacts on school enrolment of a rapidly growing population,” said Board Chair Fiona Gilbert.
“This project will provide BVHS students with the modernized spaces and additional instructional spaces they need to learn and grow.”
Demolition of the existing gym, originally planned for late 2025, will instead take place in July. An agreement with the SLS Centre will see students bused to the facility for physical education classes for the 2025/26 school year with no additional gym or transportation fees.
Sports teams will use the gyms at BVHS’ feeder schools for practices and games. Details for sports teams will be shared with students, staff and parents when plans are completed.
“We’re pleased to have worked out arrangements with the SLS Centre and other RVS schools,” said Dempster.
“SLS Centre is a great community partner, and students will benefit from using such an excellent facility for their PE classes until the new school gym is completed.”
Updated information about the expansion and modernization project is on the BVHS website.
