Ontario Construction News staff writer
The provincial government is investing $15.9 million to build a new school and create 88 more child care spaces in Etobicoke – part of the government’s commitment to invest $12 billion over 10 years in new and existing schools, with over $500 million to be invested this year alone. The funding will help build and expand schools, complete major renovations, and create more childcare spaces across the province.
“Ensuring our young people have access to modern classrooms and the best education is absolutely critical to helping them get a good start in life,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By building, expanding and renovating our schools, we are creating a learning environment where our students can flourish and chart a path to lifelong success.”
The new, cutting-edge classrooms at the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s new elementary school will accommodate 600 students at Royal York Road and Eglinton Avenue. The school will be located on the former Toronto District School Board site at 100 Allanhurst Dr., in Etobicoke.
“Now more than ever, our students need modern classrooms,” said Education Minister Steven Lecce. “We are investing in the children of Etobicoke by finally delivering funding for a new Catholic elementary school, so students have modern buildings that support excellence in learning. I want to thank MPP Surma for her strong and unrelenting advocacy for her community, to move this project across the finish line.”
This new, modern learning environment will also provide 88 new licensed childcare spaces as part of Ontario’s commitment to ensure families across the province have access to high quality, affordable childcare.
The government plans to invest up to $1 billion over five years to create up to 30,000 licensed childcare spaces, including up to 10,000 childcare spaces in new schools. These new projects will also result in the creation of more jobs in the skilled trades, as over $500 million of major infrastructure projects break ground in 2020-21.
The Ministry of Education reviews all Capital Priorities submissions for eligibility and merit prior to announcing successful projects.