Work on the first new Whitehorse elementary school in more than two decades is moving forward – but the Yukon Party is questioning the latest cost.

The territorial government has awarded a $42.8-million design-build contract to Whitehorse-based Ketza Construction Corp. for the new school in Whistle Bend, to be located at the corner of Olive May Way and Casca Boulevard.

Ketza will work with Colliers Project Leaders, the Owner’s Advisor, for the duration of this project to design a school that reflects the needs and goals of the school community, the government said last Wednesday.

The government has worked with the Whistle Bend Project Advisory Committee throughout the planning process to help inform decisions about the school’s elements.

The school is being planned to accommodate up to 425 students from kindergarten to Grade 7. It is expected to be completed during the 2023-24 school year.

“This is an exciting time for the families in Whistle Bend, who will soon have access to a nearby, high-quality learning environment,” said Education Minister Jeanie McLean.

“This is more than an investment in a new building, this is an investment in our children’s future that will provide benefits for years to come.”

École Émilie-Tremblay was the last elementary school built in Whitehorse. It opened in 1996.

“This is an important milestone for the future Whistle Bend school, which will provide students in the area with a modern learning space closer to their homes,” added Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke.

“It will be a welcome addition to this rapidly-growing neighbourhood.”

Ketza has been established in the Yukon for more than 50 years and specializes in northern climate construction.

“As a Yukon company with strong community involvement, Ketza Construction is proud to have been selected to deliver the new Whistle Bend Elementary School,” said Eric Brohman, Ketza’s general manager.

“Our commitment to Yukon First Nations and local content will be beneficial to all Yukoners. Ketza’s Design-Build team is excited to draw upon our strong educational experience to deliver a thoughtful design, executed with decades of construction experience.”

The Yukon Party, meanwhile, said the school is $6.3 million over-budget.

On March 8, Richard Mostyn, then the minister of Highways and Public Works, stated that the Liberals had only budgeted $36.5 million for the project, the Yukon Party said last week.

According to the government’s website, the bid selected was the highest of four bids and was $6 million higher than the lowest price submitted, the official Opposition party pointed out.

“Department of Education officials confirmed earlier this year that there have been project delays due to additional time needed for design work and review processes,” the Yukon Party said.

“This means another capital project managed by the Yukon Liberal government is coming in late and over-budget.”

Responding to this, a cabinet spokeswoman said Friday the school project “continues to move forward.

“This will be the first new Whitehorse elementary school in more than two decades and we have worked closely with the stakeholders to ensure we develop a high-quality learning environment that will meet the needs of the community now and into the future.

“When the tender for this project closed in May, all bids came in over the original estimated cost and additional approvals were needed to award the contract.

“Although higher than projected, the cost of the contract reflects the current high prices for building materials like steel,” she added.

“A value-driven procurement process was used to make sure the project brings as much value as possible to the community and the territory by factoring in considerations like northern experience and First Nations participation.

“The project remains on track for winter of 2023-24,” she said.