Purchased in 2009, the land West of 15th St. in Winkler is finally being transformed into a new elementary school.

A sod turning was held for the $30 million Pine Ridge Elementary School Friday.

Superintendent Vern Reimer notes the most striking differences are the future school's day care and gymnasium.

The 76,900 sq. ft. school will come with a 9,100 sq. ft. day care facility that will operate before and after school hours.

"A great convenience for the parents," he says.

The project also features a high school-sized gym with adjacent multipurpose rooms that can be opened to create a 10,000 sq. ft. exhibition space.

In total, the new school will provide space for 675 students with room to expand to 875 students. Classrooms will be dedicated to Art, Band, Choral, Guidance, Home Economics, Industrial Arts, Library and a Life Skills and Autism Suite.

Pine Ridge Elementary is expected to open September 2019, though the specifics of catchement is still being decided.

Garden Valley School Division is holding meetings in April to consult the public on catchement strategies and recommendations.

Future Pine Ridge student Brock Becker helped turn the sod

Student Brock Becker will be part of first graduating class at the new school. He was given a spot in the sod turning ceremony as well.

"It's going to be exciting," Becker says. "We're going to have new opportunities to make new friends."