The Ontario government has given Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board the green light to proceed with issuing a tender for the construction of the first high school and community hub in the Town of Wasaga Beach.

The project will be supported through a total investment of $64.9 million. That figure includes $62.2 million in provincial funding and a $2.7 million contribution from the Town of Wasaga Beach.

The project will deliver 1,008 new student spaces, 49 licensed child-care spaces, and shared amenities, including a 300-seat theatre and a track-and-field facility.

The new school will be the first high school built in Wasaga Beach, eliminating daily out-of-town commutes for approximately 800 students. It will also serve as a community hub, supporting student learning while expanding opportunities for residents through shared spaces for learning, recreation, and the arts.

“The approval to issue the tender is another important step toward opening Wasaga Beach’s first high school — a long-awaited milestone for local education and a clear commitment to helping students learn, grow, and succeed right here at home,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “The Town, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, and Province have worked hand-in-hand to move this project forward with a shared vision. Together, we are creating a true community hub with modern learning and recreation spaces, licensed childcare, post-secondary opportunities, and a 300-seat theatre that will benefit students, families, and all residents across Wasaga Beach."

Wasaga Beach is the only community in the province with a population of more than 15,000 that does not have a high school.

Construction is expected to begin this spring, and doors are expected to open in September 2027.