Posted on 2025-11-24 21:16:10.879 +0000 UTC
High Prairie School Division is pleased to announce that Workun Garrick has been selected as the lead architect for the modernization of Georges P. Vanier School in Donnelly, Alberta. This was done through a competitive procurement process by the Government of Alberta.
Through the School Construction Accelerator Program, Georges P. Vanier School was selected to be fast-tracked to the design stage of a school modernization. The announcement came from Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare, on May 21, 2025.
Workun Garrick partner Robert Rabinovitch, M.Arch., Architect, AAA, SAA, MRAIC, will be the lead architect on the project. His bio states that "During over 30 years of experience Robert has had exposure to all facets of the profession, including: design, project coordination, construction documentation, tender administration/negotiation and contract administration." The kick-off meeting with High Prairie School Division Superintendent & CEO Murray Marran took place in November.
Superintendent & CEO Murray Marran stated that "Workun Garrick is an experienced architectural firm that has completed a number of projects in Northern Alberta, including the Grande Prairie Composite High School (2022), the Grimshaw Shared School Facility (2016), and the St. Francis Assisi Catholic Academy (2012).
Our Division went through a consultation process with our communities of Donnelly and Falher to determine the priorities of our students and their families, our staff, and our communities for the modernization of Georges P. Vanier School. Now the work of incorporating the information collected during those meetings into a school design will take place.”
The next steps will be to proceed to the schematic design phase (2-3 months), with that community feedback influencing the school schematics to produce an initial concept. The goal will be to design a space that is respectful of the ideas and themes from the community while providing an amazing learning space for students.
Vice Chair Karin Scholl and Trustee Lynn Skrepnek noted that "The advancement of this project is a huge win for our communities. We would like to extend a special thanks to MLA Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, for his support with this project. The modernization of Georges P. Vanier School has been a priority for the Board of Trustees as part of our Three-Year Capital Plan for many years. Our hope is for the modernized school to be a hub in our community, providing a welcoming environment for not only our students but also for the community as a whole.”
"I am very proud to see that the hard work and advocacy of our Board has been able to move this project to the next stage. I want to echo the comments from our Ward 1 trustees. Thank you to our local MLA for Ward 1, Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks and to The Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare, for their continued support. We cannot wait to share the results from the architects when they are ready for public viewing," stated Board Chair Joy McGregor.
High Prairie School Division is very thankful for the community support during our consultative process and looks forward to sharing further details in the future.