ST. ANNS - Province's Investment in Innovative and Modern Learning Spaces Will Ensure Students Have High-Quality Education in a Safe and Healthy Environment
As part of the province's ongoing efforts to build and improve local schools, the Ontario government has provided the District School Board of Niagara with approval to replace the gymnasium at Gainsborough Public School in St. Anns. This upgrade of the school is supported by an investment of $3.8 million.
Once completed, this project will deliver a new 4,000 square foot replacement gymnasium for local families. The investment is part of Ontario's commitment to providing approximately $15 billion to support school construction, repair, and renewal over 10 years. Since 2018, the government has approved nearly 200 school construction projects and the development of more than 300 child care and education building-related projects, of which more than 100 are actively under construction.
"The funding for a new replacement gymnasium at Gainsborough Public School in St. Anns is great news for our community," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
"This investment will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead."
"School gymnasiums are multi-purpose spaces – they serve as hubs for athletics and activity, both incredibly important parts of education that also play a positive role in students' mental health and well-being," said Warren Hoshizaki, Director of Education of the District School Board of Niagara.
"Gyms are also used for other school and community events, making the impact of this new build significant for students and staff as well as families and community members. We appreciate the support of the Ministry of Education to fund this first-rate facility, knowing it will enhance a love of sports, serve the wider community and be enjoyed for many years to come."
"As a former staff member and parent of two former students at Gainsborough Public School and now as Mayor, I am extremely pleased with this announcement from the Ministry of Education regarding a much-needed gymnasium up-grade that will benefit the entire school community," said Cheryl Ganann, Mayor of the Township of West Lincoln.
Additionally, Ontario is taking action to ensure that school board capital assets are used effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of growing communities, support student learning and ensure value for taxpayer dollars.
The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 empowers decision-makers to build modern schools faster by better utilizing school capacity, reducing barriers for school boards to facilitate agreements for schools in multi-use buildings such as condo towers, and shortening planning time through design standardization when constructing, renovating, or making additions to schools.
"We are determined to build schools and expansions faster, part of our commitment to modernize schools in fast growing communities," said Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.
"We are proud to deliver a new, state-of-the-art gymnasium at Gainsborough Public School for families in West Lincoln, along with increasing funding, staffing and a back-to-basics focus on reading, writing and math skills to help ensure students graduate with confidence that they can succeed in good-paying careers."
Highlights of the project include:
- Demolition of the existing gymnasium;
- Construction of new replacement 4,000 square foot gymnasium;
- School Renewal work.
"Under Premier Ford's leadership, we are building more state-of-the-art schools to support the needs of Ontario's students, families, and growing communities. By investing in innovative and modern learning spaces, we are ensuring students have access to the quality education that will provide them with lifelong skills and education in a safe and healthy environment," said Hon. Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure.
"These investments are one of the ways we're delivering on our promise to build Ontario, with an infrastructure budget of more than $148 billion over the next decade."
Gainsborough Public School is located at 5459 Highway 20 in St. Anns in the Township of West Lincoln.
Media Contact | Michael Zwiep | michael.zwiep@pc.ola.org