The provincial government is committing up to $19.9 million towards the construction of a new elementary school in the community of Meaford, as part of the province’s Capital Priorities stream. Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers made the announcement on Wednesday.
“This is a great day for the community of Meaford,” notes Vickers. “I have heard from many parents in the Meaford area about the capacity issues at the current Georgian Bay Community School (GBCS), so today’s announcement shows that our government sees this challenge and is responding accordingly.”
The new school will serve elementary-aged Bluewater District School Board students in the Meaford area, and will provide an additional 340 elementary student spaces as well as 54 additional childcare spaces. The estimated opening date for this school is September 2029.
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 10 years to support new school construction, renewal, and improvements. This year, $1.6 billion will be invested in 79 school construction projects across the province.
“We are very pleased to receive such positive news that our business case for a new elementary school with childcare space in Meaford has been approved by the Ministry of Education,” says Bluewater District School Board Chair Jane Thomson. “Since the opening of the new GBCS almost five years ago, student enrolment pressure has continued to increase due to growth in the Meaford area. We are grateful to the ministry for this significant investment to secure a long-term sustainable solution for future generations of students, and to our staff and community partners whose diligence, hard work, and advocacy have supported the vision.”
“Meaford is growing, and more young families are choosing to build their lives here. This new elementary school is an investment that matches that momentum and strengthens our community for the next generation,” noted Ross Kentner, Mayor of the Municipality of Meaford. “This new school will give local children a dedicated place to learn and thrive, and I applaud the school board and the province for moving quickly on this approval to support Meaford’s growth.”
“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “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.”
“As part of our government’s historic capital plan, we are investing $236 billion in critical infrastructure to build and protect Ontario,” said 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.”
