DURHAM CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Ontario Building New Catholic Elementary School in Pickering

Today (Nov 21), MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy, alongside Chair Monique Forster and Mayor Kevin Ashe, officially broke ground on the new Seaton #1 Catholic Elementary School. As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success, the Ontario government has provided the Durham Catholic District School Board with a total funding amount of $33.8 million for the new Seaton Catholic Elementary School to create more student spaces. 

"It is important now more than ever that we continue to invest in our students," said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge. "This $33.8 million investment in the new Seaton Catholic School is a part of our government's plan to build better schools and critical infrastructure as we continue to grow as a province, ensuring that our youth are well-equipped for the future."

Once complete, the project will deliver 622 new elementary student spaces and 88 new licensed childcare 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 the one in Pickering, 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.

"Building and renewing Ontario's infrastructure is a key part of our government's plan to protect the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of significant economic uncertainties," said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. "Through our more than $200 billion capital plan, we are getting shovels in the ground faster to build new and improved schools, transit, hospitals and other critical infrastructure for communities across the province."

The new Seaton #1 Catholic Elementary School will be located at 2460 Hibiscus Drive, Pickering, ON in the Seaton Development.

Quotes

"We are deeply grateful to the Government of Ontario, Minister Calandra, Minister McCarthy, MPP Bethlenfalvy, and Mayor Ashe for their continued support of Catholic education and their commitment to students and families in Pickering. The investment in Seaton #1 Catholic School marks an exciting milestone in our shared vision to provide modern learning environments to support student success." - Monique Forster, Chair of the Durham Catholic District School Board.

"The City of Pickering is proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of Seaton's first Catholic school. As Seaton continues to experience tremendous growth, this investment ensures that families have access to quality, faith-based education close to home. It reflects our shared vision of building a complete, vibrant, and inclusive community for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming this new school as an integral part of Seaton's future." - Kevin Ashe, Mayor, City of Pickering

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 more than $6 billion for major capital projects, including 173 new schools, 122 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings and over 9,600 new licensed childcare 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.