The Ontario government has announced that the OCDSB will receive funding for a new elementary school in Orleans and two additions to secondary schools in Kanata.
As communities in these areas continue to expand, the new school and additions will help to ease pressure for area schools. This investment of nearly $60 million will create approximately 1,500 student spaces, plus additional child care in the new elementary school.
New East Urban Centre Elementary School
A new 674 pupil place elementary school for students from kindergarten to Grade 8 Additional 39 licensed child care spaces To be located within the southern portion of the western half of Orleans at the corner of Spring Valley Drive and Joshua Street.
Addition to Earl of March Secondary School:
New addition will add 25 classrooms and 575 pupil places to the school
Addition to A.Y. Jackson Secondary School
New addition will add 12 rooms and 299 pupil places. It will include classrooms, an art room, drama room and a new double gymnasium.
With this approval now in place, the OCDSB will continue to prepare for construction. More information about this project and construction timeline will be shared with school communities at a later date.
"We would like to thank the Ontario government for this important investment in schools in Orleans and Kanata, and for their commitment to streamline the approval process at the Ministerial and municipal levels. This funding will ease pressures on existing schools as communities rapidly expand. We would also like to extend our gratitude to parents and community members for their tireless advocacy," said OCDSB Board Chair Lynn Scott.
This announcement comes as the OCDSB continues to expand to meet the needs of our city with the support of the Ontario government. On May 2, Wazoson Public School in Barrhaven held its official opening ceremony. In 2023, the OCDSB also opened a new elementary school in Stittsville, Shingwakons Public School.
Looking ahead, in September, the OCDSB will open a new secondary school in Stittsville and a new elementary school in Findlay Creek. In September 2025, the OCDSB is also planning to open a new secondary school in Riverside South.
