Alberta Schools (ASAP II)

operational

Opportunity Capitalizing on the earlier success of the P3 model used to build 18 schools in Calgary and Edmonton on-time and on-budget, the Government of Alberta undertook a second phase of school expansion, building an additional ten elementary and middle schools using alternative procurement. Challenges Alberta’s thriving economy meant that there were many attractive investment opportunities for developers, making the project less appealing to private sector partners. Innovations The project used a single core school design for efficiency and value for money. It consisted of a permanent central space that includes a gymnasium, library, administration offices, classrooms, and specialty classrooms such as a music room, and art room. Modular classrooms provide additional space that can be added and removed to adjust to changes in enrolment.  Although a private sector company oversaw the design process, it consulted with representatives from school boards, municipalities and district staff for their design input. While the ASAP I project didn’t initially allow for local groups to lease space for community services, flexibility was built into ASAPII, allowing school boards to lease space to third parties. Results The schools were delivered on-budget and two years earlier compared to the traditional method, resulting in children having shorter commutes to and from school as well as top-quality buildings to learn in sooner. The structure of the P3 resulted in more attractive, continued employment opportunities for workers when compared with the traditional procurement process, which involves negotiating the scheduling of labour, materials and equipment separately for each school. The P3 model offered a 30-year warranty and guaranteed maintenance. All schools meet provincial standards and are designed with the environment in mind, including reducing energy use by up to 45 per cent.

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