SWIFT CURRENT — The long-awaited renovation of Swift Current Comprehensive High School has reached another milestone, with the Saskatchewan government issuing a request for proposals for the first phase of construction services.
The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement, working in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Chinook School Division, announced Monday that the project has officially entered the procurement stage, marking the transition from planning and design to the tendering process.
The renovation project, approved in March 2024, will be carried out through a construction manager delivery model and completed over several phases. Officials say the completion of the phase one design has helped define the scope of the initial work and allows the project to move forward to the bidding stage.
Under the request for proposals process, qualified contractors and trades are being invited to submit bids to the construction manager responsible for overseeing the project.
"This milestone reflects progress in renewing and modernizing critical school infrastructure," SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Sean Wilson said in a news release.
"Advancing to tender ensures this project is well prepared to move forward efficiently while minimizing disruption to students and staff."
The Swift Current Comprehensive High School project is one of the largest school infrastructure investments currently underway in the Chinook School Division. The approved scope of work includes significant upgrades to the aging facility, including replacement of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, modernization of electrical infrastructure, building code improvements, fire suppression upgrades and asbestos remediation.
Provincial officials say the work is intended to improve the safety, reliability and long-term functionality of the school while extending the life of the existing building.
Education Minister Everett Hindley said the renovation represents an important investment in both current and future students.
"The renovation project is an important investment in students, staff and the future of education in this community," Hindley said.
"We are pleased to continue working with SaskBuilds and Procurement and Chinook School Division to renew this school to support student success for years to come."
Chinook School Division board chair Dianne Hahn said the project will provide a safer and more dependable learning environment for students and staff while addressing critical infrastructure needs within the school.
"Providing our students and staff with a safe, reliable environment to learn and work in is essential, and the funding from the Ministry of Education turns that commitment into reality," Hahn said.
"We are grateful to SaskBuilds and Procurement for partnering with Chinook and sharing their expertise as we navigate this next chapter."
The provincial government said the project forms part of its broader effort to renew educational infrastructure across Saskatchewan, with an emphasis on improving safety, reliability and learning environments for students and school communities.
The Request for Proposal was posted on SaskTenders at www.sasktenders.ca. on Aug. 17 and will remain open until Sept. 3. Following the closing date, submissions will be evaluated before successful contractors are selected to participate in the first phase of construction.
