DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA
Future Ready: DSBN Receives Ministry Approval for Three New Elementary Schools

The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) is excited to announce that it has received approval and funding from the Ministry of Education to build three new elementary schools. These future, state-of-the-art schools are among 30 projects approved across the province under the Ministry's 2024-2025 Capital Priorities program.

Slated to open in September 2027, the new schools will address increasing accommodation pressures in Welland and Thorold, the two fastest growing cities in the Niagara region. With a combined investment of over $95 million, the schools will provide more than 2,000 new pupil places, including licensed childcare spaces at each location to support local families.

New Schools at a Glance:

• Welland-Thorold Elementary School
  • $33.1 million, 726 pupil places, 49 licensed childcare spaces
• Thorold East Elementary School
  • $33.5 million, 726 pupil places, 49 licensed childcare spaces
• South Welland Elementary School
  • $28.9 million, 608 pupil places, 49 licensed childcare spaces

"We are thrilled with this news and incredibly grateful for the Ministry of Education's support in recognizing and responding to the rapid growth in Niagara," said Kelly Pisek, Director of Education. "Our Corporate Services team has worked diligently to present a strong business case for each of these endeavors and we deeply appreciate the patience and collaboration shown by our Board of Trustees, staff and school communities."

"The inclusion of childcare facilities at each school highlights DSBN's ongoing commitment to supporting families in the region. We have worked closely with municipalities, community partners and developers in all three areas to ensure these schools are strategically located to best serve our growing communities and we are eager to bring these projects to life, working alongside collaborative partners who share our vision," said Stacy Veld, Associate Director of Education, Corporate Services & Treasurer.

"This funding represents an important step in ensuring students across Niagara have access to modern, high-quality learning environments," said Sue Barnett, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "We thank the Ministry of Education for their continued support, investing in facilities that are designed to benefit current and future families within our communities."