As Saskatchewan continues to grow, bedroom communities such as White City are becoming more popular. A surging population, however, is putting a strain on the community’s schools.
Located just 10 minutes from Regina, more people are discovering the beauty of White City’s small town living, causing a jump in population.
“In the last three or four year we’ve probably doubled in size,” Mayor Bruce Evans said. “We’ve had around 500 lots sold and started construction or are planned for construction.”
More people mean more children in the schools, which are filling up fast.
White City School, which goes from kindergarten to grade 8, has nearly 600 kids enrolled, and relies on additional portables to house all the students.
High school kids are currently bussed to Greenall High School in Balgonie, but according to Evans, that school is also overcrowded. The two schools have the highest number of students enrolled in the entire division.
“Our school is overfull, so plans are in place for a new school to be built here hopefully starting next year,” Evans said.
The area for the new school has already been designated. At this time the lot is being prepped, but building plans have not been solidified by the school decision. The Prairie View School Division says they are working with the government for planning and capital funding for the new school.
A request has also been submitted for a replacement regional high school in Balgonie to help keep up with the growth.
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