The Lambton Kent District School Board is celebrating a major milestone for the Forest community, announcing Wellington Builders as the successful bidder for the long-anticipated Blue Coast District School. With the $66 million tender now officially approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education, this moment marks a defining step forward in nearly a decade of shared advocacy, planning, and community vision.
The new JK-12 school will bring together students from Aberarder Central School, Bosanquet Central Public School, Kinnwood Central Public School, and North Lambton Secondary School on a single, modern campus along Townsend Line. Designed for more than 1,100 students, the facility will include three child care rooms, two EarlyON rooms, and a wide range of contemporary learning, athletic, and community spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of families across Lambton Shores.
Associate Director of Corporate Services Brian McKay emphasized the significance of this step for the region. "This is a momentous occasion," he said. "It reflects years of collaborative work and a shared commitment to enhancing learning environments for students across Lambton Shores. We are thrilled to see this project moving forward. This school will serve our students and families for generations."
Local MPP Steve Pinsonneault highlighted the strong partnership that helped bring the project to this stage. "The LKDSB has been an engaged and dedicated partner throughout this process," he said. "This is a strong example of what can be achieved when school boards, communities, and government work together with a common goal. I value the working relationship we've built, and I'm proud to support a project that will have such a positive impact on families in this region."
LKDSB Chief Executive Officer Gary Girardi noted that "Blue Coast District School represents the very best of what public education can be when we work collaboratively. This project reflects our commitment to student success, well being, and the creation of safe, modern, and inspiring learning spaces. We are grateful for the support of the Ministry of Education and our local partners as we bring this vision to life."
Wellington Builders' bid was one of three submitted, with the others coming in at $67 million and $72 million. Beyond the core construction, the project includes a number of specialized features a running track and bleachers, playground equipment, gym equipment, outdoor basketball courts, a field house, auto shop lifts, and artificial turf for the child care area. With furniture, equipment, consulting fees, permits, and HST included, the total project cost will exceed $74 million.
The Ministry of Education will provide $69.2 million in funding, with an additional $3.3 million supported through proceeds of disposition from the schools that will be consolidated. The remaining $1.5 million will be funded through the LKDSB's accumulated surplus.
Construction is expected to begin this summer and will take approximately two years to complete. Trustees expressed strong support for the project, noting its importance to the long-term vitality of the Forest community. Trustee Jane Bryce described the approval as "a highlight of her career," praising the Board's vision in bringing elementary and secondary students together under one roof.
As the project moves forward, the LKDSB remains focused on ensuring the new Blue Coast District School reflects the hopes, needs, and identity of the communities it will serve marking a transformative investment in the future of public education in Lambton Shores.
