Member Statement (8 November 2023)

From Hansard (8 November 2023)

 

Sod-Turning for New School in Stewart Valley

Mr. B. McLeod: — Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Friday, August 22nd, 2022 was a devastating day for the community of Stewart Valley, located 25 minutes north of Swift Current. You see, Mr. Speaker, that was the day that lightning struck the K [kindergarten] to grade 8 school and a fire quickly started. Fortunately no one was in the building at the time. And even though there was a very quick response from firefighters, the building was a complete loss.

Mr. Speaker, there is a great adage that typifies the people of Saskatchewan: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. The Chinook School Division had to quickly identify and secure choices for the students to attend school for the 2022-23 school year. And I’m happy to report that I was able to be with the community of Stewart Valley on November 1st to celebrate the sod-turning ceremony to build a new school that will replicate the previous existing footprint for like, kind, and quality as well as all the required code upgrades.

Since the fire, the community of Stewart Valley has raised over $100,000 that will be added to the construction effort to allow for a larger kitchen and an enhanced spectator seating area in the gymnasium. Everyone is looking forward to cheering on the next generation of Stewart Valley Stingers and celebrating community events in the new school.

Mr. Speaker, I would invite the whole House to join me in congratulating the community of Stewart Valley on the start of construction, and we look forward to the full completion of this new school. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.