The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, confirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to build a new school in Conception Bay North.

The new school will replace Cabot Academy in Western Bay, which was destroyed by fire in August 2025.

Work is currently ongoing to determine the size, specifications, and construction timelines of the new school, which will be determined by factors such as enrolment projections, programming requirements and possible site remediation.

An environmental site assessment will be completed as soon as the snow clears, which is standard for any new school construction.

Construction work on the new school is anticipated to start in 2027. Construction timelines will be dependent on the size and specifications of the new school.

Quotes
“We understand the concerns that come with the fires of last summer and the uncertainty of whether or not the school will be rebuilt. The people of Conception Bay North have my commitment. We are building a new school in the area. This is a long road, but I want to ensure the people of Conception Bay North that they will not walk it alone.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Building a new school in Conception Bay North has been a priority for our department. Work is ongoing to get the information we need to be sure we build the right school for the region. We thank families of the region for their patience at this difficult time and look forward to providing more details on the progress of the new school in the coming months.”
Honourable Paul Dinn
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

“The rebuilding of a new, modern school in Conception Bay North represents a significant investment in the success of students and teachers in the area. Today’s learning environments are designed to support collaboration, innovation, and well being – key elements that lead to stronger educational outcomes and communities.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“I have met with many concerned residents of the North Shore regarding the loss of the school. A school is the heart of any community, and I am pleased to see Cabot Academy will be rebuilt. Our commitment to the North Shore is for the long term, and together we will build back stronger.”
Riley Balsom
MHA for Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde
Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

Follow us on Bluesky

Like us on Facebook