New high school site unveiled in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, where Premier Andrew Furey lives
CBC
Premier Andrew Furey revealed the site of a new high school on Friday that is planned to be built in the Portugal Cove-St. Philip's — set to open in the fall of 2026.
The school, which was first announced in the 2022 provincial budget, was low on the priority list of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District. The district said at the time it was surprised to see $33 million allocated for the school's construction.
Furey said Friday the town wasn't given priority despite it being where he lives.
The new school will be built on Old Broad Cove Road at the corner of Maggie's Place, which will complete the education system — already having primary and junior high schools — in the town and keep students from having to bus to St. John's to attend schools like Prince of Wales Collegiate.
"Building a new high school is a proactive example of how we can ensure that the infrastructure is meeting the modern and growing demands of changing communities like Portugal Cove-St. Philips," Furey said Friday.
Asked why he continued to push the school forward despite its lower priority listing and the optics of it being in the town where he lives, Furey said the government would make similar investments in other communities.
"More than just me live in Portugal Cove-St. Philips. The premier has to live somewhere in the province, so there has to be continued investments made wherever he or she, that person, lives," he said.
"This is a growing community, one that's been argued to have a high school for quite some time. It's across political stripes. We make investments in all other areas of the province as well."
Furey didn't answer when asked if his children would attend the school.
Portugal Cove-St. Philip's Mayor Carol McDonald spent the last 10 years calling for a new high school in the town, and said Friday's announcement was an exciting day. Her town is one of Newfoundland and Labrador's fastest growing communities.
"To say I am pleased today would be an understatement, because really I'm excited," she said. "I have to thank Premier Furey for finally listening, and realizing our concerns were valid."
McDonald said all current and future students of Beachy Cove Elementary and Brookside Intermediate will attend the school.
David Brazil, interim leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA representing the town of over 8,400 people, had also been advocating for the school.
Furey thanked him for his dedication in helping the project reach the finish line.
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