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The provincial government says a public-private partnership to construct 18 new schools will save taxpayers $100 million and deliver the schools earlier than if they were constructed the traditional way.

At a news conference on Monday, Gordon Wyant, the minister responsible for SaskBuilds, said the project is the “largest publicly-owned and operated school project in Saskatchewan’s history,” and that the schools are needed to accommodate “unprecedented” population growth.

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A value for money report by accounting firm KMPG found the P3 build of the joint-use schools will save about $100 million and allow them to open six to nine years earlier.

“When the schools open in September of 2017, it will be a breath of fresh air and will cause some relief on the pressure on classroom sizes and enrolment in those neighbourhoods,” Saskatoon Public Schools board chair Ray Morrison said.

Eight schools will be constructed at four sites in Stonebridge, Rosewood, Evergreen and Hampton Village.