Ontario investing $1.6B for school projects across the province

The Ontario government has announced a $1.6-billion investment to fund 79 school construction projects across the province, targeting the creation of more than 29,000 new student spaces and 1,900 licensed child care spaces.

“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “We’re building the schools students need, and we’re making sure they get built quickly and on schedule.”

The announcement was made in the London area, which is receiving $285 million to build seven new schools and expand two existing ones. These new schools and additions will provide over 5,300 student spaces and 362 licensed child care spaces for local families, including:

• $100 million for a new Catholic secondary school in the southwest area of London for 1,999 students
• $33.9 million for a new southeast London Catholic elementary school for 655 students and 88 licensed child care spaces
• $19.7 million for an expanded replacement St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School in Lucan for 424 students
• $24.2 million for a new French-language Catholic elementary school in London for 458 students and 88 licensed child care spaces
• $43.6 million for a new construction replacement for Arthur Voaden Secondary School in St. Thomas, for 703 students and 88 licensed child care spaces
• $19.1 million for an addition at Parkview Public School in Komoka for 225 additional student spaces
• $6.8 million for an addition to West Nissouri Public School for 207 additional student spaces
• A joint-use elementary school site for the Thames Valley District School Board and the Conseil scolaire Viamonde, consisting of:
  • $22.2 million for a new Talbotville Elementary School for 412 students and 49 licensed child care spaces
  • $15.6 million for the new École élémentaire publique St. Thomas for 262 students with 49 licensed child care spaces

These new projects build on other local school infrastructure work currently underway, such as the new Kilworth Catholic Elementary School site that will welcome 424 students and include 88 licensed child care spaces in the London District Catholic School Board once completed. Two new elementary schools in London, Northwest Public School and White Pine Public School, also celebrated their official opening in September, providing modern, welcoming classrooms for 1,600 students this school year.

“This is a significant investment in education across Elgin–Middlesex–London, with several new schools and expansions that will support the growth we’re seeing across our communities. Ontario needs more space for students to learn, greater access to childcare, and modern classrooms that support student success. These investments will make a real difference for children and families today, while helping to build a stronger future for our region,” said Rob Flack, MPP, Elgin–Middlesex–London.

Featured image: (Government of Ontario)