Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie announced today that the new École Saint-Augustin will be constructed on the Church Road in Rustico.
“This location was recommended by the French Language School Board for several compelling reasons,” said Minister Currie. “French first language education is about language and culture. Situating the school in a culturally rich community allows students to learn about French culture and it also enables the official language minority community to thrive and grow.”
The Church Road site is situated in the historic and cultural heart of Rustico, along with the Farmers Bank, Doucet House and St. Augustine Church which was built in 1838.
Of the 12 properties that were considered for the site of the school, the Church Road site was one of two parcels of land that met all the requirements, including size and price. “We respect the role of the school board which, in this case, was to recommend a site to Government for approval,” said the minister. “We can now move forward together with construction planning and the development of a strong proposal to the federal government for funding assistance.”
Funding to purchase land for the school has been allocated in the 2009-2010 capital budget. Students are expected to be in the school as early as January 2011.