BGSD Receives Planning Funding For High School in Beaumont

The Black Gold School Division (BGSD) is very pleased to announce that it has received planning funding for a new high school in the City of Beaumont. This approval represents a great advancement in our efforts to inspire student success, and is a major achievement in advocacy for Black Gold’s Board of Trustees.

This new school will be built on a joint site with Saint Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School Division (STAR Catholic), promoting cooperation between the two divisions to better support students. It will be located in the neighbourhood of Azur (formerly Azur/Lakeview), and will have a projected capacity of 1,100 students when it opens.

“The long-awaited announcement for the approval of a new high school built in the City of Beaumont is very welcome and the result of the Board's tireless advocacy,” said BGSD’s Board Chair and Beaumont Trustee, Esther Eckert. “Black Gold presented this critical need through our capital plan to the provincial government over a number of years as a capital priority. Meetings with our MLAs, the education ministry, the mayor and city officials emphasized the urgency of the situation.”

She added that Beaumont’s sole high school, École Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School, is currently over its maximum student capacity at 112% utilization, with increasing pressure expected as the community grows. It is projected to reach 120% utilization by September 2026.

“This investment in the City of Beaumont's students will provide long-lasting educational and community benefits,” Eckert concluded.

Robyn Steed, Trustee for Beaumont, expressed her enthusiasm for the announcement as well. “I am thrilled that Beaumont has been approved for a new high school—an achievement years in the making,” she said. “This success reflects the dedication of our Board of Trustees and our commitment to securing the resources our students need. Advocating for this school was a key promise in my campaign eight years ago, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make it a reality. This is a win for our students, families, and the future of education in Beaumont.”

With funding now secured, the Black Gold School Division is set to move forward with the planning, design and construction of the new high school through the provincial accelerator program. The Division is focused on delivering a high-quality, modern learning facility that meets the needs of Beaumont’s growing student population. By working closely with architects, planners, and community partners, Black Gold is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient development process.

The Black Gold School Division looks forward to working with STAR Catholic as this project moves forward. Our commitment is to build a high school that nurtures growth, encourages achievement, and inspires students to succeed.