More than 29,000 students will benefit from new, modern classrooms that prepare them for good-paying, stable careers
NEWS
KILWORTH — The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect Ontario and ensure students have access to modern classrooms by investing $1.6 billion in 79 school construction projects across Ontario. The investments will support growing communities by creating over 29,000 new student spaces and over 1,900 licensed child care spaces so students have the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers.
“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.”
Minister Calandra made the announcement in the London area, which is receiving $285 million to build seven new schools and expand two existing ones. These new schools and additions will provide over 5,300 student spaces and 362 licensed child care spaces for local families, including:
- $100 million for a new Catholic secondary school in the southwest area of London for 1,999 students.
- $33.9 million for a new southeast London Catholic elementary school for 655 students and 88 licensed child care spaces.
- $19.7 million for an expanded replacement St. Patrick 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 licensed child care spaces.
- $43.6 million for a new construction replacement for Arthur Voaden Secondary School in St. Thomas, for 703 students and 88 licensed child care spaces.
- $19.1 million for an addition at Parkview Public School in Komoka for 225 additional student spaces.
- $6.8 million for an addition to West Nissouri Public School for 207 additional student spaces.
- A joint-use elementary school site for the Thames Valley District School Board and the Conseil scolaire Viamonde, consisting of:
- $22.2 million for a new Talbotville Elementary School for 412 students and 49 licensed child care spaces
- $15.6 million for the new École élémentaire publique St. Thomas for 262 students with 49 licensed child care spaces
These new projects build on other local school infrastructure work currently underway, such as the new Kilworth Catholic Elementary School site that will welcome 424 students and include 88 licensed child care spaces in the London District Catholic School Board once completed. Two new elementary schools in London, Northwest Public School and White Pine Public School, also celebrated their official opening in September, providing modern, welcoming classrooms for 1,600 students this school year.
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.
QUICK FACTS
- In addition to the 67 projects approved for $1.3 billion in provincial support in 2025-26, there is also an additional close to $300 million in funding provided through the 2026-27 Capital Priorities program to approve 12 priority projects that are ready to proceed.
- For the 2025-26 school year, the Ministry of Education continues to provide $1.4 billion to school boards to renew and improve schools.
- In April 2026, Ontario introduced the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, that would, if passed, bring greater accountability, consistency and modernization to Ontario’s education system through new and enhanced measures to further support student success. The legislation also provides the ministry with stronger tools to intervene in the capital planning process when boards are unable to deliver projects in the best interests of students and educators.
QUOTES
“This is a significant investment in education across Elgin–Middlesex–London, with several new schools and expansions that will support the growth we’re seeing across our communities. Ontario needs more space for students to learn, greater access to childcare, and modern classrooms that support student success. These investments will make a real difference for children and families today, while helping to build a stronger future for our region.”
– Rob Flack, MPP, Elgin–Middlesex–London
“Investing in new and expanded schools is an investment in the future of our growing communities. These projects will provide modern, high-quality learning spaces that support students and families for years to come. As our region continues to grow, it’s critical that our infrastructure keeps pace. These new and expanded schools will help create the space students need to learn, succeed and thrive in safe, supportive environments. I’m proud to see this progress and will continue working to ensure our communities have the resources they need.”
- Steve Pinsonneault, MPP Lambton–Kent–Middlesex
“As part of our government’s historic capital plan, we are investing $236 billion in critical infrastructure to build and protect Ontario. Through these investments, we are helping deliver new and improved schools in the London area and across the province to support students, local jobs and growing communities.”
- Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure