Ontario Building New School in Forest
August 21, 2025
Investment part of Ontario government’s record funding to ensure student success
NEWS
FOREST – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success in our workforce, the Ontario government has provided the Lambton Kent District School Board with approval to issue the tender for the new Forest Area K-12 Public School to create more student spaces and child care spaces.
“The funding for a new Forest Area K-12 Public School is great news for our community,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex. “Through this investment, we’re creating opportunities for students to thrive today and well into the future.”
This project is supported by a total investment of $74.1 million, which includes additional funding of $34.3 million. When complete, the project will deliver 1,186 new student spaces and 49 new licensed child care spaces for local families.
“Our government is focused on supporting students, teachers and parents while ensuring school boards are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Once completed, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our government will continue to provide the resources students need for ultimate achievement.”
Through local infrastructure projects like this one in Forest, the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes. The investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest about $23 billion to support school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years.
“With nearly $200 billion invested into building, our government’s historic infrastructure plan is getting shovels in the ground to build better schools, transit and communities that Ontarians deserve today and for future generations,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure.
“The Blue Coast District School represents an exciting new chapter for our students, staff, and families. This K–12 build reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and modern learning environments where every learner can thrive. We look forward to the many opportunities this new school will bring to the community for generations to come.” – Gary Girardi, LKDSB Director of Education
The Forest Area K-12 Public School will be located at 6314 Townsend Line in Forest.
QUICK FACTS
- In May 2025, Ontario introduced the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, to strengthen the government’s oversight of school board finances, governance and program performance, to ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students for success.
- Since 2018, Ontario has provided nearly $5 billion for major capital projects, including 169 new schools, 124 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings and over 9,600 new licensed child care spaces in schools.
- For the 2025-26 school year, the province is providing $1.4 billion to school boards for school renewal projects.
- The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 includes measures to help maximize capital assets of boards to support building modern schools faster, and better use current school space.
CONTACT
Email: steve.pinsonneault@pc.ola.org
Strathroy Office: 519-245-8696
Wallaceburg Office: 519-627-1015