The Ontario government is investing more than $62.4 million to build two new secondary schools in Etobicoke. These new buildings will hold more than 2,000 students. This is part of the government's commitment to invest $12 billion over 10 years to build more schools and upgrade existing facilities in the province.
Newsroom Ontario states that the Toronto Catholic District School Board will receive funding from the Capital Priorities Program to create two new secondary schools. This investment includes $36 million for Bishop Allen Academy to build a replacement facility that will support 1,300 students.
Funding of $26.4 million will be made available to support the construction of an additional Catholic secondary school in central Etobicoke.
"By making these investments in education, we are providing our kids with a solid foundation that will set them up for lifelong success. 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."
Premier of Ontario | Doug Ford
Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education stated that the government is building state of the art schools so that every child will have every opportunity to succeed and learn in the best learning spaces.
The government is committing $550 million in 2020-21 to build 20 new schools and eight permanent school additions across the province. This will create 16,000 new student learning spaces and 870 new licensed child care spaces.
As part of the government's commitment in investing $12 billion in capital grants over 10 years, Ontario is investing over $500 million in 2019-20 and the $550 million for 2020-21 to build new schools and renovate existing ones.
Other priority large-scale school based capital projects will also be looked into.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March, the government has approved the following:
- Over $1 billion in capital projects in education
- 50 new schools
- 23 additions to existing facilities
- 1,765 new licensed child care spaces
In July 2020, the government announced that it would invest $500 million to build 30 new schools and 15 permanent additions to existing facilities along with 900 new licensed child care spaces.
The Ontario government has also released its safety plan for opening the schools for the 2020-21 school year in June. It outlines how students and teachers can safely return to classrooms, but does provide choice for parents, enhanced online learning and additional funding.
