The Ontario Ministry of Education has officially approved $74 million in capital funding for the construction of a new kindergarten-to-Grade 12 school in Forest, within the Municipality of Lambton Shores near Sarnia. Known as the Blue Coast District School, this ambitious project will consolidate four schools into one state-of-the-art facility, serving as a modern hub for students, families, and the wider community.
Project Overview
Located just west of the Shores Recreation Centre, the new school will merge Aberarder Central School, Bosanquet Central Public School, Kinnwood Central Public School, and North Lambton Secondary School. The facility will also support the surrounding communities of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, Lambton Shores, and Plympton-Wyoming. This marks the first K-12 school for the Lambton Kent District School Board, designed to provide inclusive and future-focused learning opportunities for generations to come.
Facilities and Features
The Blue Coast District School will incorporate modern design and functionality to support a wide range of academic and extracurricular programming:
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Child and Family Centre: Two EarlyON rooms dedicated to families with children up to age six.
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Childcare Centre: A three-room facility offering 49 spaces, including 10 infant, 15 toddler, and 24 preschool spots.
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Educational Spaces: Modern classrooms, labs, and flexible learning areas for students from kindergarten through Grade 12.
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Extracurricular Facilities: Spaces for athletics, arts, and community programming to encourage well-rounded development.
Construction and Design
The board has confirmed tenders have been let, paving the way for the construction phase to begin. A land recognition ceremony will take place in the coming weeks, followed by a formal groundbreaking event in September. Designed with a vision of inclusivity and sustainability, the school will integrate state-of-the-art educational facilities with modern building practices. Renovations and design will address site elevation differences and ensure seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.
Workforce and Trades Involved
A project of this scale will demand expertise across numerous trades and construction disciplines:
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General Contractors and Construction Managers: Overseeing overall project delivery.
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Architects and Engineers: Designing and ensuring compliance with building codes.
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Structural and Concrete Trades: For foundations and framing.
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Masonry and Carpentry: Crafting both structural and aesthetic components.
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Mechanical and Electrical Contractors: Installing HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
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Roofing, Glazing, and Insulation Specialists: Ensuring the building is energy-efficient and weatherproof.
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Interior Finishing Trades: Including drywall, flooring, and painting.
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Landscaping Teams: Creating outdoor spaces that connect the school to its environment.
Sarnia News Today reports that the project will also generate significant employment opportunities during its multi-year construction phase and contribute to the local economy by engaging suppliers and contractors.
Community Impact
Beyond serving as a modern educational facility, the Blue Coast District School is expected to become a cornerstone of community life. By consolidating four existing schools, it will foster unity while creating a future-ready environment for students. Its childcare and family-focused facilities also ensure it supports the needs of young families, helping to address gaps in early childhood education and care within the region.
Conclusion
With its $74 million investment, the Blue Coast District School represents a transformative project for Forest and its neighboring communities. By combining modern design, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive community input, the project underscores the province’s commitment to building inclusive, sustainable, and high-quality learning environments.
