In the middle of negotiations with the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, the province is allocating an additional $32 million to enhance classroom capacity with ‘relocatables’ – sometimes known as ‘portables’ – with a focus on addressing enrollment pressures in regions experiencing significant population growth.

Of the total funding, Regina and Saskatoon, the two fastest-growing cities in the province, will benefit the most, receiving a substantial portion to accommodate rising student numbers. Other communities set to receive support include Humboldt, Lloydminster, Lumsden, Pilot Butte, Warman, and Weyburn. This investment comes in addition to the $16 million earmarked in the 2023-24 budget for 23 relocatable classrooms and two classroom moves.

Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with educational partners to address concerns about class sizes.

The funding will empower school divisions to manage enrollment pressures at the local level effectively. In total, the investment for classroom relocatables in the 2024-25 school year amounts to $48 million, covering 68 new relocatables and two classroom moves.