GRIMSBY – The Ontario government is investing $15.9 million to build a new elementary school in South Niagara Falls and $2.8 million to create new care spaces at Lakeview Public School in Grimsby to help working families in Niagara.

These investments in the District School Board of Niagara, announced by Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, will support the creation of 608 student spaces and 137 childcare spaces as part of the Ontario Government's commitment to building modern, accessible, and technologically connected schools for Ontario youth.

Once complete, the new elementary school at Kalar Road and McLeod Road in Niagara Falls will provide modern, accessible learning spaces with childcare, while the childcare addition at Lakeview Public School in Grimsby will provide 1 infant room, 2 toddler rooms, and 2 preschool rooms through the province's Early Years Capital Program.

The projects are part of a provincewide investment of more than $600 million to support new schools and childcare spaces that were recently announced by Minister Lecce.  The overall investment will support 78 school and childcare related projects.  As part of this investment, the province dedicated more than $565 million to create more than 19,700 new student spaces and 1,500 childcare spaces at schools across the province.

Across Ontario, the province is supporting the creation of 40 infant rooms (400 new spaces), 59 toddler rooms (885 new spaces), 71 preschool rooms (1,704 new spaces), and seven family age group rooms (105 new spaces).  The investment will provide families with more options for their children.

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made safer schools a priority, which is why we continue to invest in modern and accessible learning spaces with improved ventilation,” said Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.

"These investments are part of our multiyear plan to build, expand, and update schools and childcare spaces across our province.  They will leave a lasting legacy that benefits working families for years to come."

The investments are part of the Ontario government's commitment to provide $14 billion to support school construction over ten years. There are currently more than 300 childcare and education building-related projects in development across Ontario with more than 100 actively under construction.

“The construction of a new school in Niagara Falls and expansion of childcare spaces at Lakeview Public School in Grimsby are great news for Niagara,” said MPP Oosterhoff.

"These investments will provide choice and flexibility for families and new opportunities for local students.

Sue Barnett, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the District School Board of Niagara said, “We are grateful to the Ministry of Education and Hon. Stephen Lecce, Education Minister for investing in these two important projects. Our new South Niagara Falls elementary school will support the southward growth of new families and students into the area. The brand-new school will be a bright, modern learning space that will provide an excellent learning environment to students for years to come. 

We know that childcare spaces in our schools benefit families by keeping their children in one location. We are so thankful for this support from the Ministry”.

Warren Hoshizaki, DSBN Director of Education said, “As educators, it is our role to do all we can to ensure our students are prepared for a world of possibilities - and the new challenges it will bring.  

This important work is done in collaboration with many partners. Together, we make a positive difference in the lives of students. We appreciate the partnership and support of the Ministry of Education for these two projects”.

Ontario’s investment in new and updated schools will create the foundation for a modern learning environment for hundreds of students across the province.

Highlights of the projects include:

• 608 elementary student spaces and 49 childcare spaces in South Niagara Falls.

• 5 childcare rooms and 88 child care spaces at Lakeview Public School in Grimsby.