Frustrated northern Alberta town still hoping for new school

A northern Alberta town is frustratedthe province is making nocommitment tobuild a new school following a visit from the education and infrastructure ministers last week.

Holy Family School in Grimshaw, just west of Peace River, has struggled with leaky roofs, bad plumbing and a broken furnace for years.

In the winter students have to wear coats while in the library.

A new building was promised in the last election,but board chair Dianne Lavoiesaid no money has appeared.

"We're told now that likely we're not going to be hearing any news about any of the capital projects until budget time," she said."We're just really, really praying that our name and our school is going to be one of those schools that are on that list."

On Wednesday Finance Minister Doug Horner said falling oil prices will meanall departments must expect totighten their beltsnext year.

Lavoie said sheunderstands times are tough and the province must focus on priorities.

"Iknow that there's other schools across the province that are in bad shape. I'm aware of that. But I think that our time has come."

The Tory government criticized the school board after it made a video detailing the problems, but later promised to build a new one.

According to an engineering report, it would cost $8.8 million to fix the school's plumbing, heating and ventilation systems. Additional funds would be needed to upgrade the rest of the building. The cost of a entirely new building is estimated at $13 million.