Ontario Construction News staff writer
Etobicoke is one of the communities benefitting from the Ontario government’s plan to build new schools. More than $62.4 million was announced last week to construct two new secondary schools in the city.
These new facilities will accommodate more than 2,000 students with modern classrooms and the latest technology to help create “the very best learning environment.” These projects are part of the government’s commitment to invest $12 billion over 10 years to build more schools and upgrade existing facilities across the province.
“By making these investments in education, we are providing our kids with a solid foundation that will set them up for lifelong success,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our schools are at the heart of our communities. When we invest in our schools, we are investing in our future, and through the construction of projects like these, we will also be contributing to the long-term recovery of our province.”
The investment includes $36 million for Bishop Allen Academy to build a replacement facility that will support 1,300 students and $26.4 million to support the construction of an additional Catholic secondary school in central Etobicoke.
“Your kids deserve to learn in modern, accessible, safe, and digitally connected schools,” said Minister Lecce. “Our government is taking real action by building state of the art schools so that your child has every opportunity to succeed and learn in the best learning spaces.”
Ontario is spending over $500 million in 2019-20 and $550 million in 2020-21 to build new schools and renovate existing buildings. The province is also working with school board partners to identify other priority large-scale school-based capital projects.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in March, the government has approved over $1 billion in capital projects in education, including 50 new schools, 23 additions to existing facilities and 1,765 new licensed child care spaces.
“These are not just investments in bricks and mortar ― our government is investing in the future of our children by creating a better learning environment. By building and upgrading Bishop Allen Academy we are providing students with access to modern classroom settings and the latest technology which will lead to new opportunities and lifelong success,” said Christine Hogarth, MPP, Etobicoke―Lakeshore
Bishop Allen has been at the top of the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s capital priorities list for many years.