The Ontario government has announced plans to spend more than $1.6 billion on dozens of school construction projects across the province.

Combined, the 79 projects are expected to create more than 29,000 new student spaces and more than 1,900 licensed childcare spaces.

“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Education Minister Paul Calandra. “We’re building the schools students need, and we’re 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.”

Calandra made the announcement in the London area, which is receiving $285 million to build seven new schools and expand two existing ones. These new schools and additions will provide over 5,300 student spaces and 362 licensed childcare spaces for local families, including:

• $100 million for a new Catholic secondary school in the southwest area of London for 1,999 students
• $33.9 million for a new southeast London Catholic elementary school for 655 students and 88 licensed childcare spaces
• $19.7 million for an expanded replacement St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School in Lucan for 424 students
• $24.2 million for a new French-language Catholic elementary school in London for 458 students and 88 licensed childcare spaces
• $43.6 million for a new construction replacement for Arthur Voaden Secondary School in St. Thomas, for 703 students and 88 licensed childcare spaces
• $19.1 million for an addition at Parkview Public School in Komoka for 225 additional student spaces
• $6.8 million for an addition to West Nissouri Public School for 207 additional student spaces
• A joint-use elementary school site for the Thames Valley District School Board and the Conseil scolaire Viamonde, consisting of:
• $22.2 million for a new Talbotville Elementary School for 412 students and 49 licensed childcare spaces
• $15.6 million for the new École élémentaire publique St. Thomas for 262 students with 49 licensed childcare spaces

These new projects build on other local school infrastructure work currently underway, including on the new Kilworth Catholic Elementary School site that will welcome 424 students and include 88 licensed childcare spaces in the London District Catholic School Board once completed. Two new elementary schools in London, Northwest Public School and White Pine Public School, also opened their doors in September.

The province’s 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 10 years to support new school construction, renewal and improvements.

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