Due to severe flooding in July, Barnett House will remain closed until early 2027.
The ATA Library is still open and providing resources to members.
Staff are working from home and continue to serve members online and by phone.
The Southern Alberta Regional Office (SARO) in Calgary is unaffected and conducts business per usual.
After closing due to severe flooding this summer, the ATA’s head office, Barnett House, is expected to reopen in early 2027.
In July, Edmonton was hit by record-breaking rain and storms, one of which triggered flooding in the mechanical room of Barnett House. Since then, crews have been on site to pump out close to one million litres of water, complete abatement in the space and begin restoring the building’s systems.
“When the flood hit, our staff worked diligently to manage critical infrastructure,” said Robert Mazzotta, ATA executive secretary.
The recovery process has been complicated by the need for specialized, custom-ordered components, with some materials expected to take up to 24 weeks to arrive, be installed and tested, Mazzotta added.
“It will take more time than we would like, but we are actively working toward safely reopening the building to all staff, tenants and our members,” he said.
Despite the prolonged closure of Barnett House, the ATA’s service to members is unchanged. Most staff based in Edmonton are working from home until the building is reopened, while the ATA’s Southern Alberta Regional Office in Calgary remains open. The ATA library is also open and ready to support teachers with a variety of resources.
“Staff were able to pivot to working from home quickly,” said Mazzotta. “We are committed, as always, to providing high-quality service and expert support for Alberta’s teachers.”
Meetings and events that were scheduled to take place at Barnett House will either move online or be held in alternate venues, and members are encouraged to watch for further information online, from staff and in the ATA News. Members can also contact the ATA for assistance at 1-800-232-7208 (Edmonton) or 1-800-332-1280 (Calgary).
“Teachers can rest assured that the ATA is here for them as the new school year starts,” Mazzotta said. “And Barnett House will be back in the new year.”
