More modulars, more space for students

Alberta’s government is investing $600 million over three years to deliver more modular classrooms to schools facing the greatest need.

More modulars, more space for students
Student enrolment is growing rapidly, with more than 80,000 new students in Alberta’s classrooms over just three years, driven by unsustainable federal immigration policies and record level interprovincial migration. Schools are under pressure, and Alberta’s government is taking action to deliver more space across the province.

To meet this challenge head on, Alberta’s government is investing $200 million this year to deliver more modular classrooms in the 2026-27 school year. This investment will fund 189 new modular classrooms, along with 12 new washroom units, 10 replacements and 29 relocations. This funding will deliver about 5,450 student spaces in the communities with the greatest need.

“Student enrolment is growing, and we’re making sure schools can keep up. That’s why we’re building new schools across Alberta, with 161 projects underway right now. Modular classrooms help relieve crowding in the meantime, while permanent schools are built.”Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

Alberta Infrastructure will work directly with school boards to deliver and install new modular classrooms, with most expected to be ready for students during the 2026-27 school year. Modular classrooms will go to the school boards with the greatest need, including in fast-growing rural communities.

“Albertans expect classrooms to be ready when they’re needed. This funding allows Alberta Infrastructure to add classroom space quickly in communities experiencing rapid growth, giving students and teachers safe, functional facilities immediately while permanent schools continue to be built.”Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure

This $600 million investment is part of the $8.6-billion Schools Now program, which will create or modernize more than 200,000 student spaces by 2031-32. Modular classrooms will account for 20,000 of those spaces, helping to bridge the gap while longer-term school construction continues. Currently, there are 161 ongoing public-school projects underway across Alberta.

“These additional classrooms will make a meaningful difference for students and families. Forty-six modular classrooms add more than 1,100 learning spaces across 10 schools, nearly the equivalent of two elementary schools. This means more students can attend school closer to home. The government is demonstrating a strong commitment to building student spaces and strengthening Calgary communities. Thank you.”Laura Hack, chair, Calgary Board of Education

“Edmonton Catholic Schools is grateful for this modular announcement, which will provide 31 additional classrooms for our division next school year. These intentionally designed learning spaces will help relieve overcrowding in 11 schools. This significant investment is very responsive to our ongoing infrastructure advocacy and supports our enrolment growth as more families choose Catholic education.”Sandra Palazzo, board chair, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Budget 2026 focuses on what matters, makes disciplined choices and takes decisive action.

Quick facts

• In 2025-26, Alberta’s government invested $100 million to purchase 115 new modular classrooms, supporting 2,825 new student spaces and 275 relocated spaces in some of Alberta’s fastest-growing communities.
• Modular classrooms typically become operational within eight to 12 months, depending on project complexity and site readiness.
• The Modular Classroom Program allocations for 2026-27 reflect areas with highest enrolment growth and utilization pressures in the province.

School authority	New classrooms	Replacements	Relocations
Calgary Board of Education	46	–	–
Calgary Catholic School District	12	5	9
Edmonton Catholic Schools	31 + 4 washrooms	–	–
Edmonton Public Schools	32 + 1 washroom	–	–
Other school authorities (29)	68 + 7 washrooms	5	20
Grand total (33)	189 + 12 washrooms	10	29