The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect Ontario and ensure students have access to modern classrooms by investing $1.6 billion in seventy-nine school construction projects across Ontario. The investments will support growing communities by creating over 29,000 new student spaces and over 1,900 licensed child care spaces so students have the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers.
In Niagara, the province is investing $78.1 million to build a new school in Fort Erie and expand three schools in Pelham, Port Colborne and Fort Erie, creating more student spaces and child care spaces in growing communities. These projects will, when complete, deliver 897 new elementary student spaces, 506 new secondary student spaces and 108 new licensed child care spaces for local families in the District School Board of Niagara.
“This critical investment of $78.1 million in new and expanded schools in Niagara – including a new elementary school in Fort Erie and additions at Glynn A. Green Public School, Oakwood Public School and Greater Fort Erie Secondary School – is welcome news for parents and families across our region,” said MPP Oosterhoff.
“This significant provincial investment will ensure the next generation of students in our region will have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead.”
MPP Oosterhoff was joined at Glynn A. Green Public School in Fonthill by District School Board of Niagara trustees, staff and students, as well as Wayne Olson, Regional Councillor; Marvin Junkin, Mayor of the Town of Pelham; Bill Steele, Mayor of the City of Port Colborne, and Darren Flagg, Councillor for the Town of Fort Erie, to announce the four capital projects.
The Capital Priorities Program supports the construction of new schools, permanent additions, renovations and school purchases. This year’s funding will support a combination of new school builds, expansions and retrofits across the province and is part of Ontario’s commitment to provide more than $22 billion over ten years to support new school construction, renewal and improvements.
“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.
“We are building the schools students need, and we are making sure they get built quickly and on schedule. With stronger oversight and accountability through the Putting Student Achievement First Act, we are ensuring projects are delivered on time and focused on students, so that parents can be confident their children have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”
“As part of our government’s historic capital plan, we are investing $236 billion in critical infrastructure to build and protect Ontario,” said Hon. Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure.
“Through these investments, we are helping deliver new and improved schools across the province to support students, local jobs and growing communities.”
“We are grateful for the continued partnership and support of the Ministry of Education,” said Kelly Pisek, CEO at the District School Board of Niagara.
“Every investment in our schools is an investment in our students. This is exciting news for the District School Board of Niagara and for the families and communities we serve.”
“The Town of Pelham is pleased to see this significant provincial investment in Glynn A. Green Public School,” said Mayor Junkin.
“This expansion will support the many families in our fast-growing community and will ensure children in Pelham have the opportunity to attend a local school as they grow to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
“Thank you to the Ministry of Education for these important investments in our children – the young minds of tomorrow and future of our community,” said Wayne Redekop, Mayor of the Town of Fort Erie.
“The new elementary school and expansion at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School will accommodate the rapid growth within our community through modern learning spaces. We look forward to nurturing partnerships that will continue to improve the quality of life for the residents of Fort Erie.”
“This critical investment of $78.1 million in Niagara is a meaningful response and convincing evidence of Ontario’s commitment to quality education,” said Wayne Olson, Regional Councillor for the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
“These investments align with our community hopes for an accessible and quality learning place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
The capital projects include a new $26.4 million school in Fort Erie, as well as school additions at Oakwood Public School in Port Colborne, Glynn A. Green Public School in Fonthill and Greater Fort Erie Secondary School.
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Michael Zwiep | michael.zwiep@pc.ola.org