Group photo in front of Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Westridge Construction partnership lays foundation for success

Group photo in front of Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop
Photo: Westridge Construction

Westridge Construction donated $840,000 to Saskatchewan Polytechnic to support the Time to Rise campaign and future carpentry students. This donation will create a legacy at the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus. The carpentry shop in the new Skilled Trades and Technology building will be named the Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop.

Leon Friesen, president of Westridge Construction and a journeyperson carpenter, recognizes the importance of hands-on learning and the value of a polytechnic education. Westridge Construction will invest $750,000 in the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus to create a modern learning environment that reflects real-world workplaces. An additional $90,000 will go to carpentry student awards. These awards will help carpentry students overcome financial barriers, allowing them to focus on mastering their craft.

“It is an honour to support Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Time to Rise campaign and help shape the future of carpentry in our province,” said Colin Olfert, Westridge Construction CEO and general manager. “This gift reflects our deep respect for the trades and our belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities. With so many of our team members, past and present, being proud Sask Polytech graduates, this partnership is both personal and meaningful. We are proud that the Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop will leave a lasting legacy at the new Joseph A. Remai Campus and the other campuses across our great province.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Westridge Construction for their generosity and belief in education as a force for good,” said Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Your leadership shows what it means to build not only structures, but communities. We are proud and privileged to call you a partner and to count many Westridge team members among our alumni.”

The Time to Rise campaign aims to empower Sask Polytech graduates and strengthen the provincial economy. The Remai Saskatoon Campus will consolidate an existing network of decentralized, outdated buildings into a modern, technology-rich learning environment, increasing program capacity for more students.

Learn more about the campaign and the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus at timetorise.ca.

A construction engineers discussion with architects at road construction site. Civil Engineer.
by SHCA SHCA

Six Contractors Selected to Bid on Saskatoon City Centre School Project

Another milestone has been reached as the Government of Saskatchewan, in partnership with Saskatoon Public Schools, announced that six construction contractors have been shortlisted to submit bids for the construction of the new Saskatoon City Centre School. This development shows that the project is progressing steadily toward construction.

The shortlisted contractors are:

  • Graham Construction 
  • PCL Construction 
  • Quorex Construction 
  • VCM Construction
  • Westridge Construction 
  • Wright Construction 

Saskatoon Public Schools issued the Request for Qualifications and the shortlisted companies were selected through a competitive process, with the aim of ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of the project. These firms will now proceed to the tender stage, where they are invited to provide detailed submissions to bid on the construction contract.

The new Saskatoon City Centre School, funded by the Government of Saskatchewan, will bring together students from the Princess Alexandra, King George and Pleasant Hill neighbourhoods into a single, modern facility. Designed to accommodate up to 400 students from prekindergarten to Grade 8, the school will also include 74 childcare spaces and additional community services.

“This milestone brings us one step closer to delivering a modern learning environment for students in Saskatoon’s city centre area,” Education Minister Everett Hindley said. “This new school will not only provide high-quality education spaces, but will also serve as a hub for community engagement and collaboration, supporting the needs of students and families for years to come.”

Construction is expected to begin following the completion of the procurement process. 

“We are excited to have a shortlist of teams for the Saskatoon City Centre School Project,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “This is an important step towards construction that shows our province’s focus on building modern schools for future generations and supporting strong and growing communities.”

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $2.6 billion toward school infrastructure projects, including 69 new schools and 32 major renovation projects with seven projects approved through the Minor Capital Renewal Program.

PHOTO: pramotephotostock/123RF