Via NS Liberal party release:

The Nova Scotia Liberal Party has voiced concerns over the state of schools in HRM, which they claim are struggling to keep up with the area’s significant population growth.

A Liberal party release says that many schools in HRM are overcrowded due to aging infrastructure and an influx of new residents. They highlight West Bedford, where recent population growth has purportedly pushed new schools to operate at 150 percent capacity within their first year. These claims suggest that modular classrooms are being used to handle the overflow of students.

Bedford South MLA Braedon Clark remarked on the issue, saying, “Despite the government’s own capital plan citing significant population growth as a reason for new schools to be built in HRM, they have been silent on locations for new schools.” According to Clark, there is a pressing need for new educational facilities to accommodate the rapid increase in student numbers.

The Liberal Party also points to the current government’s goal of doubling the province’s population, criticizing the government for what they describe as inadequate planning to match this growth with necessary infrastructure. Opposition Leader Zach Churchill commented, “Schools across HRM are bursting at the seams, yet the Houston government has not even provided a timeline for when new schools will be built.”

While these statements reflect the Liberal Party’s position, it is important to note that the government’s plans and responses regarding school infrastructure and population growth are still unfolding. The Liberals argue that without timely construction of new schools, the educational system in HRM will struggle to meet future demands.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on whether the current measures will suffice to support the growing population and ensure adequate educational facilities for HRM’s students.