The Ontario government is investing $75.5 million to build three new elementary schools in the region, including two in Paris and another in Brantford, Ontario.
The new schools will be: Paris Catholic Elementary School and Childcare Centre, Paris Public Elementary School and South-West Brantford Catholic Elementary School and Child Care Centre.
Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant, announced funding for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board and the Grand Erie District School Board projects to help hard working families in Brantford and Paris.
These projects will support the creation of 1,562 elementary student spaces and 162 licensed child care spaces in Paris and Brantford as part of the government’s commitment to building modern learning spaces for Ontario students.
“I am so pleased to announce this new funding for this very much-needed investment in these two communities”, said Bouma.“Today’s announcement, combined with recent infrastructure support from Ontario, will enable both of these municipalities to facilitate growth, new housing and welcome new families to the area.”
The ongoing investments in education and child care projects will result in over 25,000 new student spaces and more than 1,600 licensed child care spaces at school sites across Ontario.
“As a mother, I understand that the local school really is the heart of the community. It’s so important for young families to have a school that’s close to home,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. “Our government is proud to deliver a new Paris Catholic Elementary School and Childcare Centre, a new Paris Public Elementary School Child Care Centre and Southwest Brantford Catholic Elementary School and Child Care Centre for local families, along with increasing funding, staffing and a back-to-basics focus on reading, writing and math to help ensure students graduate with the fundamental skills they need to succeed.”
Schools and child care centres are an essential piece of the community landscape. Funding these local infrastructure projects demonstrates that the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes and housing development.
“Our government is investing in new schools and improved infrastructure across the province to support the needs of Ontario’s students, families, and growing communities.” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “These are part of our historic investment of more than $190 billion over the next ten years to build and deliver the critical infrastructure Ontarians deserve today, and for future generations to come.”
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we thank the Ministry of Education for their commitment to support student success and well-being in the growing community of Paris. We look forward to moving this project forward and getting shovels in the ground to build a safe, inclusive and engaging environment to learn and grow in,” said Susan Gibson, Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board (GEDSB).
Highlights of the projects include:
Paris Catholic Elementary School and Child Care Centre
(Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board)
· $24.5 million
· 513 elementary student spaces
· 49 new licensed child care spaces
· To be located at a site to acquired in Paris, ON
“We were thrilled to hear that the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board has received approval to build two new Catholic elementary schools,” said Carol Luciani, Chair of the Board. “We are so pleased that students and families will have access to these new and innovative Catholic elementary schools. We are very grateful to MPP Will Bouma and Hon. Minister Dunlop for this important funding so that we can continue to inspire lifelong learning and service to others.”
Paris Elementary School
(Grand Erie District School Board)
· $26.5 million
· 536 elementary student spaces
· 64 new licensed child care spaces
· To be located at a site to acquired in Paris, ON
“We’re excited to welcome more families to Grand Erie, where this new, purpose-built school will provide opportunities for students and staff to learn, lead and inspire. These significant investments allow Grand Erie to offer families a state-of-the-art school close to home and succeed through their educational journey,” added JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education for the Grand Erie District School Board.
Southwest Brantford Catholic Elementary School and Child Care Centre
(Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board)
- $24.5 million
- 513 elementary student spaces
- 49 new licensed child care spaces·
- To be located at a site to acquired in SW Brantford, ON
“We are incredibly excited about this huge investment in our students and community,” said Mike McDonald, Director of Education for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. “With ongoing pressure for space, due to a sharp increase in enrolment experienced by our school district, ensuring that our families have access to quality Catholic education and childcare is great news. We are grateful to MPP Will Bouma and Hon. Minister Dunlop for their support of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board.”
