WATERLOO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
WCDSB Receives $91 Million in Provincial Capital Funding for Four School Projects

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) is pleased to announce that the Ontario Ministry of Education has approved $91,240,874 in capital funding for four projects that will create new and renewed learning spaces for nearly 2,000 students across the region. 

The funding, approved through the Ministry's Capital Priorities Program, supports the following projects: 

1. New Doon South Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener): A new 645-pupil-place elementary school, including a five-room childcare centre providing 88 new licensed childcare spaces. Approved funding: $32,420,130. 
2. Monsignor Haller Catholic Elementary School Addition (Kitchener): A 282-pupil-place addition, along with retrofits to existing instructional and operational spaces. Approved funding: $17,236,450. 
3. New St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener): A new 657-pupil-place replacement school. Approved funding: $28,818,332. 
4. Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School Addition (Cambridge): A 368-pupil-place addition, including new operational areas. Approved funding: $12,765,962. 

Together, the four projects will create 1,952 new or renewed student places and 88 new licensed childcare spaces for families in Waterloo Region. 

"This is wonderful news for our students, families and staff," said Annalisa Varano, Director of Education and CEO of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. "These investments mean more children will learn, grow and be formed in faith in modern, welcoming spaces close to home, and more families will have access to the childcare they need. Catholic education has served this region for generations, grounding learning in faith and community, and these new and renewed spaces will allow us to carry that mission forward for the next generation of students. We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for recognizing the urgent accommodation needs in our growing communities, and we look forward to moving these projects forward." 

The projects were approved in two stages: the New St. Bernadette and Monsignor Doyle projects through Phase 2 of the 2025-26 Capital Priorities Program, and the New Doon South and Monsignor Haller projects through Phase 1 of the 2026-27 Capital Priorities Program. Each will proceed through the Ministry's Enhanced Capital Accountability Framework, with project milestones to be confirmed through a Project Commitment agreement between the board and the Ministry. 

Specific timelines for each project, including anticipated construction start and completion dates, have not yet been confirmed. These details will be finalized as planning advances, and updates will be provided along the way. 

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board serves more than 28,000 students across 52 schools in Waterloo Region, providing a Catholic education rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service to others.