Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario has announced $1.6 billion for 79 school construction projects to build capacity in growing communities including $285 million for seven new schools and two school expansions in London.
Construction will create more than 29,000 new student spaces and over 1,900 licensed childcare spaces through new schools, additions and expansions under the province’s Capital Priorities program.
“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.”
Funding announced last week is part of its broader commitment to spend more than $22 billion over 10 years on school construction, renewal and upgrades.
Key projects include:
- $100 million for a new Catholic secondary school in southwest London for 1,999 students
- $33.9 million for a southeast London Catholic elementary school for 655 students and 88 child care spaces
- $19.7 million to expand and replace 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 child care spaces
- $43.6 million to replace Arthur Voaden Secondary School in St. Thomas for 703 students and 88 child care spaces
- $19.1 million for an addition at Parkview Public School in Komoka for 225 students
- $6.8 million for an addition to West Nissouri Public School for 207 students
A joint-use site between the Thames Valley District School Board and Conseil scolaire Viamonde will also include:
- $22.2 million for Talbotville Elementary School for 412 students and 49 child care spaces
- $15.6 million for École élémentaire publique St. Thomas for 262 students and 49 child care spaces
The Capital Priorities program funds new school construction, additions, renovations and school acquisitions. The government said this year’s round includes a mix of new builds, expansions and retrofits across Ontario.
In addition to $1.3 billion approved for 67 projects in 2025-26, the province said nearly $300 million in additional funding will support 12 priority projects in 2026-27 that are ready to proceed.
